Ireland’s Data Centre Boom Increases Fossil Fuel Dependence

Ireland’s⁣ data centers are rapidly increasing their share ‌of the nation’s electricity consumption,⁢ now accounting for a staggering 21% of all metered​ electricity in 2023, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This marks a‍ significant rise from just 5% in 2015 ⁤and 18% in 2022, highlighting the growing energy demands of these ⁤facilities.As data centers continue to​ expand, they ‌are not only surpassing the electricity usage of urban households but ⁤also contributing to a heightened reliance‍ on fossil ​fuels, raising concerns about sustainability and energy policy in the country. The trend underscores the urgent need for⁣ a balanced approach to energy consumption and environmental‌ impact as Ireland navigates its digital⁢ change [1[1[1[1][2[2[2[2]