Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
177. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if a data centre powered by gas powered generators offsite connected via a private wire would be considered an 'islanded data' centre; and if it would be consistent with the Government statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy position that islanded data centres 'would not be in line with national policy'. [23364/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Private Wires Policy Statement states that the expansion of the right of private developers to build Private Wires is guided by prevailing policy considerations. This would include national climate objectives, renewable energy objectives and security of supply. The Private Wires Bill will unlock private sector investment in electricity infrastructure, particularly to accelerate renewable generation and storage. It will enable private development of electricity wires in specific circumstances as specified in the published General Scheme. This reflects the increasing need to decarbonise our electricity sector and alleviate grid constraints. Legislation to give effect to this is being advanced as a priority, with a view to enactment by the end of the year.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published its Large Energy Users Connection Policy Decision in December 2025 which focused on electricity connections for data centres. The decision requires all new data centres to provide onsite or proximate generation and/or storage matched to their maximum import capacity, with that generation is required to participate in the wholesale electricity market to support overall system adequacy, and to meet at least 80% of their annual electricity demand with new additional renewable electricity generated in Ireland. While the decision did not introduce any new decisions relating to connections to the gas network, I understand CRU is actively engaging with Gas Networks Ireland on this topic in the near term.
