Energy emissions progress endangered by data centre growth, Greens say
The Green Party welcomes the latest report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), revealing that Ireland's energy-related greenhouse gas emissions have reached their lowest level in over three decades.
The 1.3% reduction in 2024 marks the third consecutive year of decline, bringing emissions 11% below 2021 levels when legally binding emissions targets were introduced by the Green Party in Government.
Green Party Leader, Roderic O’Gorman TD, said the findings are a clear result of Green policies in Government.
“This is a result of enormous changes in recent years in our energy policy, prioritising a clean energy transition. We've seen record levels of solar energy generation, heat pump installations and retrofits, and increased renewable energy share. We know there's still a long road ahead and we are moving in the right direction - but we must ensure we are managing demand too across all areas.”
Reports last year showed that just 92 data centres in the country were using 21% of the total national metered electricity supply, which had increased from just 5% in 2015. This growth has significantly contributed to the increase in electricity demand in recent years, which is now outpacing that of renewables.
The Green Party previously made amendments to Government policy to slow down the growth of data centres, and advocates for a policy that only allows data centres to be built where there is a proven economic benefit to the country, that are powered fully by renewables, where there is capacity on the local grid and where there are emissions, that these fall within our climate targets.
Ossian Smyth, Green Party Spokesperson for Climate, Communications & Energy, added:
“We’re generating more clean electricity than ever before – but it’s being outpaced by rising demand, especially from data centres. The work we did to scale up renewables and retrofit homes is delivering results, but it’s not enough on its own. Government must show the political will to rein in unsustainable energy demand and dramatically accelerate the transition. That means tougher decisions, not weaker ambition.”
Senator Malcolm Noonan, Green Party Spokesperson for Agriculture, Food, the Marine, Heritage, and Nature, commented:
“As we make vital progress in reducing energy-related emissions, we must also remember that decarbonisation doesn't stop at power plants and vehicles. Nature-based solutions – like restoring peatlands, planting native woodlands, and protecting biodiversity – are essential allies in this transition. It is also important to note the role being played by farming and the agriculture sector.”
The Party echoes the SEAI’s call for increased investment in renewable technologies and interconnectors, retrofitting our housing and public and building stock, and continuing to expand our active and public transport network.
As Ireland nears the end of its first carbon budget period, the Green Party is urging the Government to stay the course and build on the progress made. With just five years left to halve emissions by 2030, there is no room for backsliding.
Recent moves from the Government – from abolishing nature restoration bodies, endorsing LNG infrastructure, and pulling back from a 2:1 investment in public transport over new roads – seriously risk undermining the gains that have been made. This is the moment to accelerate climate action, not retreat from it.
