Call for regulatory clarity on data centres
A survey carried out by business-law firm Mason Hayes & Curran (MHC) has found that that 60% of professionals in the energy sector see regulatory or policy uncertainty as the biggest challenge facing data-centre development in Ireland.
According to the firm, the findings show that unclear rules are seen as a greater threat to investment than infrastructure capacity.
The survey, conducted at the firm’s annual energy conference, also found that that just over two-thirds of energy leaders believe that Ireland should prioritise energy security over cheaper imported power.
‘Uncertainty’
MHC energy partner Keith Newman said that data centres underpinned Ireland’s digital economy, yet uncertainty was eroding investor confidence.
“It was clear from our discussion that policy and regulatory clarity is needed to enable data-centre development,” he stated.
“Data centres can also drive demand for renewable generation growth and grid-infrastructure enhancements. That alignment is vital if Ireland is to remain competitive as a global hub,” Newman added.
Domestic energy
The survey also found that three-quarters (76%) of energy leaders believe that consumers will pay more for secure, domestic energy over imported fossil fuels.
More than half (54%) believe Irish consumers are willing to pay up to 10% more for secure, renewable, domestically produced energy compared with cheaper-fossil fuel alternatives. Two in ten (19%) believe consumers will pay between 10% and 25% more.
The conference in Dublin was attended by more than 250 policymakers, business leaders, and legal experts. It examined how Ireland could strengthen competitiveness while meeting its 2030 climate targets.