Data centres are going to be required to make public their carbon emissions and use of renewables, under a new draft policy from the regulator responsible for the energy sector.

The proposal is part of a decision published by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in an effort to provide "clarity" for the sector.

It has also detailed new policies for connecting data centres to the national grid.

Energy demand from the centres has risen from 5% of Ireland's electricity in 2015, to 21% in 2023 and is forecast to reach 30% in 2032.

What is not evident is that all EU member states since January last year are required by the EED (Energy Efficiency Directive) Recast 2023

 Articles 11 and 12 to introduce legislation requiring data centres over 500kW to submit a mandatory annual audit on their energy use and performance.

The audit is rigorous and requires approximately 25 metrics and KPIs to be measured and reported to a national designated authority in each country who will make certain data public. The first audit (covering the previous year 2023) was due on 15th September 2024, an extension was granted by the EU for countries who have failed to introduce the necessary legislation, such as Ireland that would embody the directive to May 2025.

Dublin Chamber member Beeyon provide a C-level day workshop on this topic of data centre carbon -neutrality, sustainability and the circular economy and are happy to talk to members who may require this service.