4 FAQs about Dublin energy storage grid structure changes

Can new data centres connect to Ireland's Electricity Grid?

Photograph: Getty Images/iStockPhoto New data centres will only be able to connect to Ireland's electricity grid if they also generate and supply power to homes and businesses, the regulator that oversees the energy industry has ruled.

Will Ireland's First fuel cell-powered data center rely on the grid?

An Irish-South Korean consortium, however, is trying a different approach by building Europe's first fuel cell-powered data center –– with no reliance on the grid –– in County Offaly. The partnership between Irish Lumcloon Energy and South Korean SK Ecoplant, will use solid oxide fuel cells to power the data center.

How good is Ireland's energy storage strategy?

Smith pointed out that Ireland's energy storage strategy, published in 2024, was “quite positive.” A lot of high-level plans and a technology agnostic outlook. “Unfortunately, we haven't seen a lot of progress on those actions which is a problem we are trying to address,” said Smith.

What is Ireland's energy storage framework?

The framework recognises that the energy storage landscape is rapidly evolving. While Ireland currently relies primarily on battery storage and the Turlough Hill Power Station in County Wicklow, new technologies are emerging that could play a key role in the future.

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