The Big Tech Show

How Ireland became the world’s biggest dump for useless data

Apr 1, 2025
Caroline O’Doherty, Environment correspondent for the Irish Independent, discusses the explosive growth of data centers in Ireland and their significant energy consumption, projected to make up over 31% of the country's electricity use. She reveals why companies flock to Ireland, including the stable political and favorable geographical climate. The conversation also uncovers the mix of valuable and 'junk' data stored, highlighting the environmental impact and challenges of integrating sustainable solutions like waste heat from these centers.
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