New report highlights a focus on renewables required to sustain Ireland’s data centre investments

A new report from Host In Ireland in association with Bitpower has highlighted that the continued attraction of data centres to Ireland will require a continuing focus on a renewable first approach from policymakers.

Tech companies are now the world’s leading purchasers of renewable energy according to a recent Bloomberg New Energy Finance report.

Host In Ireland’s Q3 update report states Ireland remains on course to continue attracting record investment until 2021. However, the challenges of success posed by the industry mean continued progress needs to be made in increasing the supply of renewable energy across the island of Ireland.

The Q3 update report was released at the Data Centres Ireland 2018 event which is underway at the RDS today.

There are now 48 active data centres in Ireland with the sector on course to attract a further €1bn in data centre investment each year up to 2021 according to Host In Ireland.

Speaking about the importance of renewable energy in driving data centres investment, Host In Ireland President Garry Connolly says:

“The provision of green energy is now a major factor in attracting data centre investment. We’ve seen good progress this quarter from stakeholders in committing to 70% renewable energy by 2030 and Host In Ireland is committed in supporting those initiatives however we can.”

Host In Ireland recently added its name to a list of eight renewable focused organisations in calling for the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Environment to target 70% renewable energy for Ireland by 2030.

Over the course of Q3, Facebook completed a new facility in Clonee employing 300 full-time workers. The site consists of two buildings, with one under construction and a further two undergoing planning permission. The facility is fully powered by renewable energy with Facebook now actively considering investing directly into renewable power to ensure all of its facilities are self-sustainable.

The Host In Ireland in association with Bitpower Q3 Update Report also included an outline of energy efficiency solutions adapted by the industry as it continues to focus on lowering its energy consumption.