AI-Driven Cloud Storage Surge Poses Threat to Ireland's Climate Goals

Activists contend that Ireland has turned into a "data repository" for major tech companies such as Amazon and Meta, with these corporations dominating clean energy resources for their data centers. The swift expansion of the cloud storage industry is putting Ireland's legally binding decarbonization goals at risk.

Independent research commissioned by Friends of the Earth revealed that between 2017 and 2023, the rise in wind energy production was outpaced by the surge in data center demand. Professor Hannah Daly from University College Cork, who authored the study, noted that while data center electricity consumption increased by 22.6% since 2015, other industrial sectors only saw a 0.4% rise. By 2030, data center energy demand could exceed that of Ireland's entire industrial sector under high-demand scenarios.

Government data indicates that data center energy use rose from 5% of national consumption in 2015 to 21% in 2023. Friends of the Earth is now urging the Irish government to reevaluate its data center expansion policy, arguing that it undermines climate objectives and energy security.

"This research highlights the unsustainable nature of data center expansion," said Jerry Mac Evilly, head of policy change at Friends of the Earth. "Investments in renewable energy should benefit communities, rather than just satisfying one industry's voracious appetite."

Daly's report also revealed that many data centers are seeking connections to the natural gas network, which relies on imports from the UK and Norway, to address local power constraints. This dependence on fossil fuels threatens Ireland's ability to achieve its carbon reduction targets.

The expansion of data centers will face increased scrutiny under the EU AI Act, which requires countries to report energy use for general-purpose AI. The EU is also finalizing rules to monitor data center energy performance, including water and energy footprints.

In August, South Dublin County Council denied planning permission for a new Google data center, citing insufficient grid capacity and lack of on-site renewable energy. However, the former CEO of Eirgrid defended the data center expansion, calling concerns "inaccurate" and arguing that increased demand would support the development of offshore wind farms.

Despite this, the projected 30% increase in power demand by 2030 raises questions about whether Ireland can meet its renewable energy targets. Achieving a 50% increase in energy generation, as recommended by Eirgrid, will be crucial to balancing growth with sustainability.