Publications
Friends of the Irish Environment鈥檚 submission to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) consultation on its proposed decision paper for large energy users (i.e., data centres), based on my technical assessment of the impact on greenhouse gas emissions, and Fred Logue鈥檚 legal analysis of CRU鈥檚 obligations under Section 15 of the Climate Act.
To gain a clearer understanding of the proposed decision paper on the Connection Policy (鈥淧olicy鈥) for Large Energy Users (鈥淟EU鈥), FIE engaged an independent expert on energy systems and a law firm.This submission offers professional evidenced opinions to assist the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, electricity and gas System Operators, other regulatory authorities, and project developers in identifying their responsibilities and meeting their legal obligations under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 (as amended). It also aims to support policymakers, civil society, ndustries, and academia in their collective efforts to decarbonize Ireland鈥檚 energy system towards developing a more sustainable economy through a regenerative growth model.
- Authors
Prof Hannah Daly, Dr Fred Logue
- Year
- 2025
- Publication Name
- Friends of the Irish Envrionment
- Category
- Report
- Keywords
- Data Centres, Policy, Decarbonisation, Ireland, Energy
- Link to Publication
Abstract
The following summarises the key considerations and conclusions from Professor Daly鈥檚
report:
- The context and purpose of carbon budgets for decarbonising,
- Key findings from her report 鈥淒ata centres in the context of Ireland鈥檚 carbon
budgets鈥 (commissioned by Friends of the Earth, Ireland) 鈥 see Annex II, - Electricity-related emissions associated with existing data centre agreements,
- Demand growth from heat and transport displaces other fossil fuels,
- Emissions from natural gas connections,
- Emissions from flexibility options,
- Carbon leakage arguments.