Data centres believed stark projections from EirGrid about the strain on the electricity network created by such centres were “over-estimated”. The IDA note briefing said: “Data centres view EirGrid’s figures as over-estimated. They had “reluctantly” signed up to what were known as ‘flexible contracts’, which included obligations to have on-site power generation options. Discussion points for the meeting included the fact that the country had “so much” renewable power generation potential. It said there was also a “further complication” around upgrading natural-gas powered stations to handle periods when wind power generation was lower.

Source: Irish Examiner September 10, 2021 12:45 UTC