Tech

Meta seeks use of back-up generators for data centres in event of energy emergency

Tech firm’s application would allow it to run generators for up to 500 hours every year in the event of a loss of supply from the country’s energy system

A Meta spokeswoman said it had submitted its application in February so it would have a licence to run the generators if it had to use them in an “emergency event” where demand on the national grid becomes significantly strained. Picture: Getty

Meta has become the latest Big Tech firm to seek permission to use back-up diesel generators to power its data centres if it has to come off the national grid in the event of an energy emergency.

The company has lodged an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a special licence to operate 90 on-site generators with a combined capacity of 743.4 megawatts (MW) at its data centre hub in Clonee, Co Meath.