Ireland is re-evaluating its long-standing ban on nuclear power, a significant policy shift driven by the country's rapidly increasing electricity demand, particularly from its expanding data center industry. Data centers now consume over 20% of Ireland's electricity, and overall demand has risen more than 20% since 2015, putting pressure on the grid to find secure, clean, and consistent power sources.
The current energy system relies heavily on intermittent renewables like wind and solar, which are world-leading in their integration, but require baseload generation. This role is currently filled by natural gas, accounting for 40% of electricity output. The 1999 ban on nuclear power is being reconsidered as the technology has evolved, with advanced modular reactors (SMRs) now offering compact, standardized units (from 80 megawatts) that are better suited for a grid of Ireland's size and offer enhanced safety features.
The debate is further fueled by the contradiction that Ireland imports nuclear-generated electricity from the UK and will soon do so from France via the Celtic Interconnector, while prohibiting domestic generation. Public sentiment is shifting, with a recent Business Post/Red C poll showing 43% support lifting the ban, compared to 28% opposed. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is conducting a review of decarbonization options, including both traditional and small modular reactors, with a Finnish plant operating since 2024 proposed as a case study. The results of this review will inform a government white paper by the end of 2027. irishtimes.com
