Ireland considers lifting nuclear power ban amid rising energy demand

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The Irish government signaled a potential shift regarding its 1999 ban on nuclear energy as it navigates rising electricity demands from data centres, which currently account for roughly 21% to 22% of the nation's consumption. While officials confirmed the immediate strategy remains focused on renewables like wind and solar, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment is conducting a technical study of 30 decarbonisation technologies, including nuclear, to address a projected rise in demand to 31% by the 2030s. Fianna Fáil legislator James O'Connor introduced a bill in May to legalise nuclear power, a move supported by economic reports from Minister Peter Burke that highlighted the data centre sector's role in generating €2.2 billion in annual economic activity.

Consequences

In the near term, the government's Large Energy User Plan will require new data centres to provide 80% of their energy through onsite or nearby renewable generation. Given that conventional nuclear power is not expected to be viable before the 2040s, the country will continue to rely on renewable deployment and interconnector investments to address electricity supply challenges and the highest power prices in the EU.

Sources

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