File photograph: GettyRules allowing new data centres to use fossil fuels to generate a portion of their own electricity are facing a High Court challenge by three environmental groups. The legal application, taken against the State’s energy regulator – the Commission for Regulation of Utilities – was lodged with the High Court on Tuesday. The move allows new data centres to set up by commissioning new wind and solar farms to match their needs. These renewable projects do not need to connect directly to the data centres but must feed into the national electricity supply the same amount of power as the data centres use. This is due to rise to 30 per cent in the coming years even before any new data centres are granted permission.

Source: The Irish Times March 11, 2026 19:11 UTC