Data centres are responsible for 88 per cent of the total growth in Ireland's electricity demand over the past 10 years. File photograph: GoogleOil and gas consumption increased in Ireland last year amid the country’s sluggish switch from fossil fuels to clean energy. The rise was modest – 2.7 per cent for oil and 3 per cent for gas – but signals significant challenges for the country in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) warned the reduction was happening “at a rate that is short of what is needed”. Data centres are responsible for 88 per cent of the total growth in electricity demand over the past 10 years.

Source: The Irish Times December 17, 2025 16:31 UTC