UN Report: AI Politeness, Ireland's Data Centre Energy Crisis, and Solutions

A UN report highlighted Ireland as a cautionary example for data centre development, noting that removing politeness from AI communications, like omitting «please» and «thank you», can significantly reduce electricity consumption. A concise response mode can cut ChatGPT token output by 30%, saving 87-98 GWh annually, equivalent to the residential electricity of nearly 760,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ireland's 121 data centres currently consume one-fifth of the nation's electricity, projected to exceed 30% in five years. This strain limits other development and diverts renewable energy from displacing fossil fuels. The issue, first raised by EirGrid in June 2021, remains unresolved, despite concerns from public bodies, academics, and NGOs. Friends of the Earth is pursuing a judicial review of the State’s data centre energy policy.

Despite government officials defending the sector, the industry formed the Irish Data Centre Supplier Alliance this year, supplementing Digital Infrastructure Ireland. Ireland's appeal stems from low corporation tax, a stable climate reducing cooling needs, and its location for transatlantic internet cables. Developers are finding alternative power solutions; Pure Data Centres, denied a grid connection in Dublin, now uses a microgrid powered by on-site fossil gas, offset by purchased biomethane. Red Admiral Data Centres received permission for a Westmeath facility using fossil gas and solar, while Art Data Centres won a High Court battle for an off-grid campus in Clare. The debate over data centres' energy demands and their impact on renewables continues.