Data Centre Industry Update – 2nd February 2022
Data Centre Industry Update – 2nd February 2022
Globally, we are seeing a huge increase in the level of data centre activity. This surge is largely brought about by remote working and other measures as a result of COVID-19. This is a turning point for work-management structures and the industry as a whole.
This seismic growth in online activity has created jobs in tech, engineering, construction, and more as a result. Our previous update discussed EirGrid’s announcement stating that they will not connect any new data centres to the Irish electricity grid for the “foreseeable future”, TikTok’s new Clondalkin based data facility has been delayed as construction activity and supply chain issues continue, and IDA Ireland believes Irish-based data facilities are being “scapegoated” for Ireland’s energy supply problems amidst rolling blackouts.
Here are this edition’s updates:
- The electricity that has been consumed by Irish data facilities has risen by 144% over the period of 2015-2020 as data centres accounted for 73% of Ireland’s electricity usage in the same timeframe.
- Data centre operators in Ireland have been shocked by EirGrid’s announcement of refusing new facilities access to the Irish electricity grid in what they call “a bolt from the blue”.
- Dublin City Council has halted the planned expansion of web giant Amazon’s data facility in the northside of the county citing the need for required extra literature for project continuation.
- The Irish-owned company, Echelon, has received €855 million in funding to facilitate the total construction and completion of four new data facilities with a combined capacity of 390MW.
- The IDA removed a warning on power outages from a joint June 2021 submission to an EirGrid consultation on managing future demand on the electricity grid as Ireland strives to achieve 2030 goals.
Our team can be contacted at info@aaeuro.com or call us at 021 206 6078.