Report: Irish datacentre energy use added €715m to household bills from 2015 to 2023 (theguardian.com)

• Datacentres used 22% of Ireland's electricity in 2025, exceeding all urban homes combined.
• Report estimates €715m extra household electricity costs from 2015-2023, averaging €360 per home.
• Industry groups cite €18bn investment and note datacentres must source 80% of energy from additional renewables.

"A report by Friends of the Earth Ireland and Beyond Fossil Fuels claims that datacentres consumed 22% of Ireland's electricity in 2025, more than all urban homes combined. This has added an estimated €715 million to household electricity bills from 2015 to 2023, averaging €360 per home. The study warns that further expansion could cost households an additional €295 to €644 cumulatively from 2025 to 2034. Industry groups dispute the findings, citing €18 billion investment and strict renewable energy requirements."