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The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) warns that the rapid growth of data centres in Ireland is straining the gas supply, potentially leading to shortages during extreme cold events. The regulator proposes a scheme where new data centers receive discounted gas rates in exchange for agreeing to temporary shutdowns or fuel switching during high-demand periods.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities ( CRU), Ireland's energy watchdog, has issued a warning regarding the rapid expansion of data centres and its impact on the national gas supply.
An analysis by the CRU shows that just 17 planned new data centres would consume as much gas as six large gas-fired electricity generators or 2.6 million households. This significant demand poses a risk to the stability of the gas system, particularly during periods of extreme cold when demand peaks. To manage this potential shortfall, the CRU proposes a policy of 'interruptible gas connections' for new data centres.
Under this scheme, data centres would receive discounted gas prices in exchange for agreeing to temporary shutdowns or the use of alternative fuels (such as diesel) during high-demand events to ensure the rest of the grid remains stable. This proposal has sparked criticism, with some arguing that it fails to address the root cause of the energy strain and instead incentivizes continued reliance on fossil fuels, while others worry about the climate impact of burning diesel as a backup.
The CRU acknowledges the potential for system instability but rules out extending these interruptible connections to power generators, citing risks to electricity security.
Data Centres Gas Supply Extreme Cold Interruptible Connections CRU Ireland
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