Barry Ward
Question:138. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans to require data centres to generate their own electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70043/25]
View answerTuesday, 9 December 2025
Questions (138)
Written answers
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for electricity connection policy and the economic regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks and EirGrid. The CRU is an independent regulator and accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
The system operators are currently considering data centre applications for connection on a case-by-case basis in line with CRU Direction to the system operators from November 2021 which aims to manage current networks constraints in facilitating new connections, particularly in the Dublin region. Following CRU’s 2021 Direction to the System Operators, any application from a data centre to connect to the electricity system is considered against strict assessment criteria which include whether it is within a constrained or unconstrained region of the electricity system and the ability of the data centre to bring on-site dispatchable generation (and/or storage) equivalent to or greater than its demand, as well as its ability to provide flexibility to the grid in times of system constraint.
More recently, the CRU is finalising its review of the connection policy for large energy users, specifically for data centres. The aim of this review is to provide a new pathway for LEUs to connect to the electricity system while taking into account the capacity of our energy and grid infrastructure and also minimises the impact on national carbon emissions. The policy will look to provide clarity on connection obligations that will apply against data centres in the short to medium term timeframe. The publication of the connection policy for large energy users is expected shortly.