Wind and solar energy produced more electricity last year, but data centre usage outpaced progress

Despite the significant advancements in renewable energy, data centres have become a major factor hindering Ireland's progress towards achieving sustainability, accounting for 20% of all electricity use.

The SEAI's report underscores a continuous increase in electricity demand driven largely by the data centre sector, which illustrates the urgent need for a shift in energy consumption patterns.

While there were some improvements, like electric heat pumps surpassing coal for home heat generation, the larger picture remains troubling, with fossil fuel reliance still over 82%.

The current fossil fuel usage trends in transport are alarming, with over 92% of road transport dependent on fossil fuels, underscoring the urgency for energy reform.

Read at Irish Independent