Ireland's energy minister Darragh O'Brien is calling for ambitious EU-wide electrification targets to address the bloc's energy challenges, particularly as data centres consume over 20% of the country's electricity. O'Brien argues that Europe shouldn't 'pull the shutters down' on new technology despite the surge in power demand from tech infrastructure.

O'Brien emphasized that data centres aren't a negative for Ireland, home to many major tech companies, but rather represent the country's large industrial sector. The government recently lifted its de facto moratorium on new data centres, requiring 80% renewable energy sourcing for grid connections. As Ireland assumes the EU Council presidency on July 1, it will prioritize grid reform and emissions trading system changes.

However, a major interconnector project between Ireland and France has been delayed from 2027 to 2028, increasing costs at a time when the country faces Europe's highest electricity prices. The Irish agenda includes discussions on taxing electricity less favorably than gas, aligning with broader EU electrification targets expected next month.

Meanwhile, the EU's proposed fiscal flexibility allowing up to 0.3% of GDP annually for energy spending until 2028 faces resistance from France, the Netherlands, Finland, and Estonia. The IMF warns that 80% of current energy support measures are poorly targeted, potentially fueling inflation rather than reducing consumption.