F E A T U R E

Through 17 enabling actions, LEAP addresses development barriers that have constrained large energy users( LEUs). It promotes a plan-led approach, where very large energyintensive investments such as hyperscale data centres, semiconductor fabs and biopharma plants are co-located with indigenous renewables like offshore wind in green energy parks. These parks align with national priorities for housing, transport and water infrastructure.

Supporting this is an independent economic assessment alongside updated regulatory guidance on LEU connections. Together, these measures provide clarity on how projects can secure grid access while contributing to system resilience, reinforcing the government’ s stance on data centres needing to deliver strong economic value and support the grid

Dublin’ s momentum is evolving

The spotlight has naturally fallen on Dublin, where years of rapid development created both economic wins and grid strain. Connection queues lengthened, local authorities grew cautious and concerns mounted that a fifth of planned capacity across major European hubs like Dublin could be at risk.

However, the capital still retains its premium status for highvalue cloud and enterprise workloads, supported by deep infrastructure and skilled talent. What’ s changing is the distribution of growth.

LEAP introduces a more balanced model, directing the biggest hyperscale projects towards green energy parks in regions with stronger renewables access and grid headroom, easing Dublin’ s load while spreading jobs and investment nationwide.

Power adequacy as the new gatekeeper

As demand for digital infrastructure grows, the key challenge is ensuring there is enough reliable power to support it. Schneider Electric’ s research shows that countries with strong energy reserves are better placed to scale AI and data centre capacity while maintaining grid stability. France has already taken steps to align new developments with the availability of power, helping it balance growth with resilience.

For Ireland, where power supply is under increasing pressure, this highlights the need for a clear and coordinated approach. Continued investment in grid infrastructure, faster deployment of renewable energy and planning policies that consider the impact of new developments on the energy system will be critical. Measures already being introduced by regulators and policymakers are helping to move in this direction, ensuring future AI and data centre projects can support economic growth without compromising energy security.

Matthew Baynes, Vice President, Secure Power and Data Centres, UK and Ireland, Schneider Electric

Data centres as energy assets

A core theme in 2026 is data centres evolving from energy consumers to grid enablers. The EU’ s revised Energy Efficiency Directive requires operators above 500kW to report KPIs,

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