Ireland Faces Energy Strain as AI Data Centers Consume 21% of National Power
The rapid expansion of data centers near Dublin has led to electricity constraints, forcing the government to impose limits and explore renewable energy solutions.
- Data centers in Ireland, largely concentrated near Dublin, now consume more electricity than all urban homes combined, accounting for 21% of the nation's power usage in 2023.
- The Irish government has imposed a moratorium on new data centers near Dublin until 2028 due to fears of rolling blackouts and grid instability.
- Activists and local councils have pushed back on further data center expansion, citing high electricity bills, environmental concerns, and limited local economic benefits.
- Developers are exploring rural areas, such as County Offaly, for new data center sites, leveraging renewable energy like wind power, though local opposition persists over ecological and cultural impacts.
- Tech companies, including Amazon and Google, face increasing challenges in Ireland as the government balances economic growth, renewable energy goals, and public discontent.
Associated Press 
The Seattle Times 