Sir, – John McManus’s article “We don’t need fewer data centres. We need more electricity” (Opinion & Analysis, June 16th) misses an essential point: the need for fairness in our energy transition.
Central Statistics Office figures reveal that last year residential demand for power dropped by 9 per cent, showing households’ active participation in energy conservation. Yet electricity usage by data centres soared 31 per cent in the same period, consuming significant amounts of our renewable energy capacity.
While the public is urged to reduce their energy usage, data centres continue their unchecked growth, disproportionately consuming our valuable renewable energy resources. This imbalance undermines the sense of shared responsibility that is crucial to our collective success in embracing renewable energy.
Therefore, it is not merely about generating more electricity, but about equitable distribution, shared responsibility, and sustainability. – Yours, etc,
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CIARÁN O’CARROLL,
North Strand,
Dublin 3.
Sir, – Germany has 5.9 data centres per million population. The UK has 6.8 data centres per million population. Ireland has 14 data centres per million population.
In summary, we have twice as many data centres per capita as other industrialised countries. I would argue we shouldn’t need more electricity; we need fewer data centres. – Yours, etc,
RICHARD COFFEY,
Terenure,
Dublin 6W.
