Written answer
Data Centres
The CRU’s 80% renewable-energy requirement for new data centres is being implemented through EirGrid and ESB Networks’ new criteria-based connection process.
51. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress made in implementing the requirement that new data centre developments match at least 80% of their electricity demand with new renewable generation. [65914/26]
Comment on this
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for electricity connection policy. The CRU is an independent regulator and accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas. Planning, building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system are functions which are assigned to the respective Distribution and Transmission System Operators, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions . They are regulated by CRU.
The requirement for new data centre connections needing to meet at least 80% of their annual electricity demand with new additional renewable electricity generated in Ireland is contained in the CRU’s latest Large Energy User connection policy which provided a clear pathway for future grid connections while addressing security of supply, system constraints, grid support and renewable energy objectives.
In May of this year Eirgrid and ESBN published a new Data Centre Engagement and Connection Application Process which operationalised and introduced a structured and criteria-based approach for future data centre connections in compliance with the directions in the CRU Decision, including specific requirements for demonstrating a credible pathway to achieving 80% renewable electricity.
This is an important step in building on Ireland’s approach to successful and continued sustainable data centre development. It provides clarity to industry and ensures access is effectively targeted so that projects have a clear pathway for development that will provide real and tangible benefits for the Irish State.
Government is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of data centres and achieving the twin objective of decarbonisation and digitalisation including through our Large Energy User Action Plan which will further guide the sustainable development of data centres and other strategically significant energy intensive industries, in alignment with Ireland’s decarbonisation objectives and growing the knowledge-based economy.
Each of these organisations have a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members. As such the Deputy may wish to engage with EirGrid, ESBN and CRU directly via oireachtas@eirgrid.ie , oireachtas@esb.ie and oireachtas@cru.ie