Data centres use 22 per cent of the country's electricity, a figure that is forecast to rise to 30 per cent. Photograph: GettyData centres are at risk of destabilising the electricity grid, which could cause blackouts. Is the issue that data centres are using too much electricity? Eirgrid has devised a “fault ride-through” code that would require data centres to remain connected to the national grid whatever glitches might arise. The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity has advised all national grid operators to step up their safeguards.

Source: The Irish Times April 02, 2026 01:22 UTC