Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2025
136. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of data centres in Ireland, by location, the approximate level of energy they use, the percentage of energy they use as a proportion of all Irish energy, whether or not each has a diesel backup generator, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70041/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Department has no direct function in capturing and recording this information, there are a number of forthcoming measures which will provide greater insight. Reporting obligations related to this information on data centres has recently been introduced by the EU, pursuant to Article 12 of the Energy Efficiency Directive 2023/1791 (‘EED’) and its delegated regulation 2024/1364, for the annual monitoring and publication on key performance indicators on energy use and sustainability.
Currently overseen by my Department, data centre operators in Ireland are reporting this information to a confidential European database which will be made publicly available by the European Commission in-line with the delegated regulation. The Department is also finalising the transposition of the provisions of Article 12 which requires operators to make this information publicly available, subject to Union and national law protecting trade and business secrets and confidentiality.
In relation to energy use, electricity is the main source of energy for most data centres operating in Ireland. The Central Statistics Office Reports indicate metered electricity consumption by data centres increased from 6,335 Gigawatt hours (GWh) in 2023 to 6,969 GWh in 2024. The percentage share of metered electricity consumption used by data centres rose from 5% in 2015 to 22% in 2024.
Ireland has attracted the best data centre and tech companies in the world. This is a really important relationship for Ireland’s economic and digital future and the Government continues to work with the sector towards sustainable development and a secure and decarbonised energy future.
Government acknowledges the need to balance the opportunities and challenges being faced. In line with the Programme for Government commitments a range of policy and energy infrastructure planning workstreams are being prioritised, including unprecedented investment in critical infrastructure and our electricity grid, and enhancing data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and solutions such as waste heat capture for district heating systems and other local uses.
