Ireland's AI-Driven Data Centers to Consume 30% Electricity

July 25, 2024

Artificial intelligence is driving increased demand for electricity in Ireland, particularly in urban homes where consumption rose 18% in 2023. Rural households accounted for a smaller share of the increase, at 10%. The surge in energy needs is linked to the growth of data centers, which house computer storage facilities and are used by tech giants like Google and Meta. By 2028, data centers are projected to consume nearly 30% of Ireland’s electricity, according to an International Energy Agency report. This trend has sparked concerns about the pressure on the country’s electricity grid.