Campaigners Launch Court Challenge Against EPA's Data Center Power Plant Permit

In a bold move that's drawing attention to Ireland's balancing act between technological advancement and environmental protection, campaigners have filed a novel court challenge against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The lawsuit targets a license granted for a gas-fired power plant designed to supply energy to massive data centers in west Dublin, operated by some of the world's biggest tech companies.

The case, brought by environmental group Friends of the Irish Environment, claims the EPA overlooked Ireland's binding climate commitments when approving the permit for the plant, owned by data center operator Amazon Web Services (AWS). Located in Profile Park near Dublin, the facility is set to generate up to 384 megawatts of electricity—enough to power around 300,000 homes—but at the cost of significant greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's approval came in July 2025, despite ongoing debates about the energy demands of Ireland's booming data center sector.

Data centers have become a cornerstone of Ireland's economy, attracting giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta with favorable tax policies and reliable infrastructure. However, their voracious appetite for electricity—projected to consume up to 28% of the nation's power by 2030—has sparked widespread concern. Critics argue that relying on fossil fuel backups like this gas plant contradicts the EU's push for net-zero emissions and Ireland's legally binding obligations under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act.

The challengers point to a 'novel' aspect of their case: they're invoking Article 40.3 of the Irish Constitution, which protects citizens' rights to a clean environment. This approach, rarely used in environmental litigation, could set a precedent if successful. "The EPA has a duty to enforce our climate laws, not undermine them," said campaign leader Tony Lowes in a statement. The group alleges procedural flaws in the licensing process, including inadequate assessment of the plant's carbon impact amid rising global temperatures.

This isn't the first time data centers have faced scrutiny in Ireland. In 2024, the government paused new approvals pending a review of their sustainability, and AWS itself has pledged to transition to renewables. Yet, with hyperscale facilities multiplying, experts warn that short-term fossil fuel solutions could lock in emissions for years. The High Court is expected to hear arguments in the coming months, potentially influencing how regulators worldwide handle the tech industry's green credentials.

As Ireland grapples with this tension, the outcome could signal whether economic growth via data centers will prioritize sustainability or strain it further. For now, the eyes of environmentalists and tech watchers alike are on Dublin's courts.