Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
150. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has carried out analysis regarding the total water and energy used by data centres as a percentage of total data and potable water consumed in the State; if any analysis is carried out on peak energy and water usage, particularly in hot summer periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44886/26]
View answerIn relation to energy use, electricity is the main source of energy for most data centres operating in Ireland. The Central Statistics Office Reports indicate the percentage share of metered electricity consumption used by data centres rose from 5% in 2015 to 22% in 2024. EirGrid regularly reviews the forecasted electricity demand for the next ten years and its latest forecast indicates data centre and new tech load will account for 35% of Ireland’s national electricity requirement by 2035.
Water usage management and conservation across commercial and industrial (non-domestic) sectors, including data centres, is an operational matter under the remit of Uisce Éireann. Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operations at national, regional and local levels. It is understood from their previous analysis that most large data centres have improved efficiency and rely on closed loop systems with minimal ongoing consumption – estimated at below ~0.20% total consumption. I understand Uisce Éireann is currently carrying out a review of data centre businesses with a view to having updated analysis this year.
The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) contains many new measures aimed at further enhancing energy efficiency across society including under Article 12 to enhance the energy efficiency of data centres. Ongoing mandatory data centre energy and sustainability performance reporting across the EU under the EED will enhance data centre sustainability and drive energy efficiency by requiring data collection to report on their energy and water performance. This information is being used to establish an EU wide rating scheme to measure and promote efficiencies in the performance of data centres. The Commission is advancing draft legislation to give effect to this rating scheme including rating labels for individual data centres indicating their power and water use effectiveness.
Government policy continues to support the sustainable growth of data centres and achieving the twin objective of decarbonisation and digitalisation. The Programme for Government contains key commitments such as enhancing data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and effective solutions.
