Energy

Power Down: State cap on data centres puts billions of euro at risk

Foreign investors warn that Ireland has been dumped on a red list and investment will cease unless the current moratorium is lifted by government

The capacity constraints in the electricity system have come from higher demand at a time when supply has weakened

Mark Foley didn’t couch his words when appearing before the Oireachtas environment committee last week.

“We are currently closed for business,” the Eirgrid chief executive said in a blunt assessment of the situation Ireland finds itself in.

“For two years, we have not executed a connection offer with a large energy user, data centre or otherwise,” he said.

Foley added that the semi-state grid operator does not even “have a basis” to offer new connections ...