Deal comes amid tension in energy sector over regulatory constraints on data centres, which consume huge amounts of electricity
Data centres are an essential component of Ireland's multinational tech sector but also place a significant strain on the electricity grid. Photograph: iStockhas settled terms to provide a national grid connection to Echelon ’s proposed data centre near Arklow, potentially prompting other promoters to ask why their projects can’t secure connections to the electricity system.
With surging demand rising faster than Ireland’s ability to generate power, EirGrid stopped talks in 2022 with dozens of data centre promoters in a bid to ease pressure on the power network and maintain the security of supply. But critics of EirGrid have argued that the State needs not only new generation but also new transmission capacity, the grid operator’s responsibility.
The Echelon founder is businessman Niall Molloy, who is also managing director of Aldgate Developments, a property group with Dublin and London investments. Mr Molloy and co-investors own half the business, with US private investment firm Starwood Capital holding the other half. Still, two people briefed on the negotiation said final agreement was close. Asked about the talks, Echelon said: “We wouldn’t comment.”
Echelon Data-Centres Commission-For-Regulation-Of-Utilities-Cru Wicklow
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Eirgrid CEO Mark Foley steps down from roleThe chief executive of Eirgrid, Mark Foley, has stepped down from his role.
Read more »
EirGrid chief who retired this week faces court action over ‘driving under influence of intoxicant’Mark Foley, who stepped down on Monday, is due before the District Court in October
Read more »
LIVE Sligo v Westmeath, Offaly v Limerick, Down v Clare, Antrim v Wicklow scoreGAA action from Division 3
Read more »
Wicklow site to provide tented accommodation amid protestThe Department of Integration is considering the provision of tented accommodation at a site in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow.
Read more »
Archie Ryan gains first professional win with daring uphill move in ItalyWicklow rider won the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali
Read more »
Wicklow man, 21, jailed for having child abuse images on his smartphoneDetective Garda Suzanne Ford told a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court that gardaí became aware of the offences after being alerted by the US-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children about suspicious activity on a Snapchat...
Read more »