As Dublin reaches its data center capacity, developers are exploring opportunities in regions like County Offaly, where renewable energy sources such as wind power are being considered to support new centers. However, this shift has met resistance from local residents concerned about ecological and cultural impacts. The future of Ireland's data centers may hinge on the policies of the new national government, set to take power early next year, as the country grapples with balancing economic growth, energy demands, and environmental sustainability.
Key takeaways:
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- Data centers in Ireland, particularly around Dublin, are consuming more electricity than all urban homes in the country, leading to concerns about energy usage and sustainability.
- Ireland's grid operator has halted new data center developments near Dublin until 2028 due to fears of rolling blackouts, as these centers consumed 21% of the nation's electricity last year.
- Activists and local authorities are pushing back against further data center expansions, citing rising electricity prices and environmental concerns.
- There is a push to relocate data centers to regions like County Offaly, where renewable energy sources such as wind power are being developed to support these facilities.