Ireland Launches 2050 Power Review as Data Centres Consume 23% of Electricity

3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jul 29

Ireland said work has begun on a 2050 Power Sector White Paper that will map how the country generates, transmits and regulates electricity as it shifts away from fossil fuels.
Demand pressure is rising fast: data centres used 23% of metered electricity in 2025, up from 5% in 2015, with EVs, heat pumps and industry also expected to lift grid needs.
The review will model future demand, supply, grid expansion and governance while weighing affordability, security of supply and decarbonisation; Dublin says it will guide future laws and investment.
Ireland launched the plan while holding the EU Council presidency, as Brussels pushes a 46% electrification target by 2040 and negotiates grid upgrades across the bloc.
The wider push also reflects energy-security concerns after Strait of Hormuz disruption added about €50 billion to EU fossil-fuel import costs in 111 days, though campaigners warn electrification must address energy poverty.