Midlands 'Well-Placed' To Become New Data Centre Hub

Wednesday, 21 June 2023 12:00

A new report by Siemens Ireland has found the region is attractive for the data centre industry.

The midlands could become a new hub for data centres in the future.

That's one of the findings of a new report by Siemens Ireland, commissioned on behalf of Offaly County Council.

The report has found access to renewable energy, the abundance of land for development, the moderate climate and strong supply of talent makes the region appealing for the data centre industry.

The Rhode Green Energy Park was identified as a potential site.

Energy Consultant with Siemens Ireland, Victor Sellwood, says there's an opportunity to really build up the midlands:

Mr.Sellwood believes engagement from local authorities and government is key to creating a data centre hub in the midlands.

He says once the midlands accommodates one data centre, the rest will come in a 'positive domino effect:'

Anna-Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, says:

"We are very pleased to see Offaly’s Green Energy developments and potential endorsed by this comprehensive report. Offaly County Council is committed to sustainable economic development and so harnessing green energy for large energy users like data centres and industry will assist that strategic objective in a number of ways.

Offaly can provide an ideal central location for large energy users to decarbonise, while serving national and international markets. That investment will attract additional inward investment, innovation and related job creation to Offaly and the Midlands. The integration of large energy users with renewables will create a sustainable eco-system for enterprises to co-locate utilising waste heat and energy for a range of users including industry, horticulture and community benefit.

Furthermore, this trajectory will support Government Policy to enable the "twin transitions" of digitalisation and decarbonisation of our economy and society.

This report by Siemens provides us with the foundations we need to attract operators from across the globe, deliver a business case to invest in our local infrastructure and create a more sustainable economy."