Ireland mandates data centers bring their own power as global backlash against AI infrastructure grows

Ireland will require all new data centers in the country to "bring your own power," following Dublin's 2023 ban on new data center construction after the sector reached 22% of the country's electricity use.

The "BYOP" approach is intended to reduce strain on public electrical grids. A new poll found most US citizens are now opposed to data centers, and the issue is expected to play a key role in this year's midterm elections.

The UN forecasts that global electricity demand from AI data centers will double by 2030. In the US, however, few politicians are calling for bans, as the data center buildout is creating construction jobs and boosting the economy.