EMEA > Europe > Irish data centre boom a cautionary tale for Europe, NGOs say

Irish data centre boom a cautionary tale for Europe, NGOs say

Published 23:01 on May 27, 2026 / Last updated at 08:53 on May 27, 2026 / / EMEA (Europe), Net Zero Transition (Industrial Decarbonisation, Power/Electrification)

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Ireland’s data centres have already added an estimated €715 million to household electricity bills between 2015 and 2023 and are now consuming more than 22% of the country’s electricity — the highest share in the world – according to a report published on Thursday, ahead of an EU policy initiative on AI and energy.
Ireland’s data centres have already added an estimated €715 million to household electricity bills between 2015 and 2023 and are now consuming more than 22% of the country’s electricity — the highest share in the world – according to a report published on Thursday, ahead of an EU policy initiative on AI and energy.


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