People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith has passionately called for a complete ban on the construction of new data centres in Ireland. This urgent plea comes in response to alarming data released by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), revealing a significant 4.4% increase in electricity consumption during the first half of 2024. The shocking statistics indicate that a staggering 80% of this additional electricity was utilized by newly connected data centres across the country.
The Unseen Impact of Data Centres
What is particularly concerning is that the SEAI report fails to consider the substantial electricity consumption generated by the rapidly expanding data centres that are already operational. Bríd Smith emphasized the gravity of the situation by pointing out that while the initial analysis may suggest a 17% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation, a closer examination reveals a startling 84% surge in imported electricity from Britain. This means that a substantial 14.4% of all electricity consumed in Ireland is now being sourced from across the Irish Sea, with the associated emissions attributed to Britain rather than Ireland.
Smith further highlighted the concerning omission in Ireland’s emissions data, where the environmental impact of generating the imported electricity is not accounted for within the national statistics. This oversight results in a misleading portrayal of reduced emissions within Ireland while disregarding the true environmental consequences of increased electricity consumption. The TD stressed the critical need for transparency in reporting to accurately reflect the full extent of emissions attributable to data centre operations.
The Environmental Toll of Data Centres
The detrimental environmental impact of unrestricted data centre expansion in Ireland cannot be understated. Bríd Smith underscored the alarming reality that data centres now surpass urban households in electricity consumption, with these facilities consuming over 20% of the national electricity supply. This stark contrast to the international average of approximately 3% highlights Ireland’s disproportionate reliance on data centres for energy consumption.
As projections indicate a potential surge to 30% of national electricity consumption by 2030, the implications for Ireland’s climate targets are dire. The unchecked proliferation of data centres poses a significant obstacle to achieving sustainable energy goals and combatting the escalating climate crisis. Smith warned that unless decisive action is taken to curb data centre development, Ireland’s ability to meet crucial environmental targets will be severely compromised.
The Urgent Call for Action
Bríd Smith’s impassioned plea for a blanket ban on new data centre construction resonates with the pressing need to address the escalating environmental repercussions of unchecked growth in this sector. The TD emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing sustainable energy practices and reducing reliance on energy-intensive industries such as data centres to safeguard Ireland’s environmental future.
In light of the SEAI data revealing the disproportionate impact of data centres on electricity consumption and emissions, urgent intervention is imperative to mitigate the growing environmental toll. Smith’s call for a total ban on new data centres serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to curb unsustainable energy practices and prioritize environmental stewardship.
It is evident that the exponential growth of data centres in Ireland poses a significant threat to the country’s climate commitments and environmental sustainability. Bríd Smith’s advocacy for stringent regulations and a complete ban on new data centre developments underscores the critical importance of addressing this pressing issue to safeguard Ireland’s environmental future. As the nation grapples with the escalating challenges of climate change, decisive action is essential to mitigate the environmental impact of data centres and pave the way for a more sustainable energy landscape.