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Ireland Considers Discounted Gas for Data Centers Accepting Supply Cuts

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Ireland is considering discounted gas for new data centers that accept supply cuts during extreme winter cold, according to multiple media reports on Monday.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities warned rapid data center expansion could strain gas supplies, with 17 planned facilities potentially requiring as much gas as six large gas-fired power generators or 2.6 million homes.

Sinn Fein politician Lynn Boylan branded the proposals reckless, saying, "Given that 27% of households connected to the gas grid are in arrears, it's another insult to people that the data centers that are part of driving up the cost of energy are being offered discounts."

The CRU said the gas shortfall could reach 9% to 18% during a severe cold snap once 17 new data centers seeking gas grid connections join the system.

CRU did not immediately reply torequest for comment.

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