The transition to sustainable energy sources needs to be accelerated by investing in, and supporting, sustainable energy sources.
This is the view of Independent Galway East TD, Sean Canney, who was reacting to the redent submission from the IDA to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities Consultation on the Proposed Directive to the System Operation related to Data Centre Grid Connection.
In its submission, the IDA warned that electricity demand across the State was pushing supplies “to their limit” and this situation has been noted with concern by multinationals based here.
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It further said that as data centres require large volumes of electricity, there is an onus on policy makers to ensure electricity supply meets present and future demand, “if we are to compete for FDI business”.
According to Dep Canney [pictured above], the supply challenge for electricity arises from the permanent closing of two peat plants in the midlands, the temporary closure of some generating plants for critical maintenance, and the challenges of integrating renewables into the power generating mix.
“The drive for renewable energy is correct,” he said, “but we cannot allow our economy to experience electricity blackouts because we are not progressing our renewables.
“If Ireland wants to continue to compete internationally and be a strategic location for global IT services, we need to be capable of providing a stable reliable supply of electricity. We need to ensure a safe transition in order to maintain supply.”
