Microsoft Pilots Green Hydrogen Technology to Power Dublin Data Centre

Microsoft has taken a significant step in its sustainability journey by launching a pilot project that utilises green hydrogen fuel cells to power its data centre in Dublin, Ireland. In collaboration with ESB, Ireland’s state-owned energy provider, the initiative marks the first time that hydrogen fuel cells will be used to supply electricity to a Microsoft data centre in Europe. The project, which is scheduled to run for eight weeks, aims to provide up to 250kW of clean energy, replacing traditional diesel generators, which are typically used for backup power in data centres.

Pioneering Sustainability in Europe

This pilot project represents a milestone in Microsoft’s broader efforts to transition to carbon-free electricity. Microsoft has already begun using hydrogen fuel cell technology at its data centres in the United States, including a 3MW system in New York and a 1.5MW system in Wyoming. However, this Dublin project is a first for Europe and showcases Microsoft’s ambition to scale its green energy initiatives globally.

Eoin Doherty, Vice President of Microsoft’s Cloud Operations and Innovation for the EMEA region, emphasised the groundbreaking nature of the project. “The green hydrogen project we’re launching with ESB is a pioneering first for Microsoft in Europe, demonstrating how zero-emissions hydrogen can be harnessed to power our digital lives,” he said. Doherty also expressed optimism about the project’s potential scalability, stating that if successful, it could offer new pathways for advancing sustainability across various sectors.

How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work

The fuel cells being deployed at Microsoft’s Dublin campus convert stored green hydrogen into electricity, with the only by-product being pure water. This zero-emission process eliminates harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which are typically produced by diesel generators. The hydrogen fuel cells, supplied by UK-based GeoPura in collaboration with Siemens Energy, are part of a broader initiative by ESB to demonstrate the versatility of hydrogen technology in Ireland over the next two years.

Jim Dollard, ESB’s Executive Director of Generation and Trading, explained the long-term vision for hydrogen energy. “ESB believes green hydrogen will play an important role in the net-zero energy system of the future. We’re delighted to be working with Microsoft on this innovative pilot project that will showcase the potential for green hydrogen as part of zero-emission electricity generation for data centres,” said Dollard.

A Critical Sector for Decarbonisation

Data centres are a critical infrastructure for the modern digital economy but also one of the most energy-intensive sectors. As cloud computing and AI technology continue to expand, companies like Microsoft are under increasing pressure to ensure that their operations contribute to global decarbonisation efforts. By transitioning from diesel generators to hydrogen fuel cells, Microsoft aims to make its data centres more sustainable while simultaneously helping to decarbonise the electricity grid.

Lavinia Morris, General Manager of Microsoft’s EMEA Data Centre Operations, emphasised the broader impact of this pilot project. “This pilot project is another important step in our journey to transition to carbon-free electricity supply for our data centres, buildings, and campuses around the world. As we look to advance a more sustainable future, we hope to build on the success of this pilot project and continue to find innovative ways to decarbonise our operations,” said Morris.

Aligning with Government Sustainability Goals

Microsoft’s pilot project aligns with the Irish Government’s 2022 policy statement on sustainable data centre development. By harnessing renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen, Microsoft is contributing to national goals for corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs), which aim to make efficient use of the electricity grid and promote renewable energy. In line with this, Microsoft has also announced plans to invest in onshore wind and solar energy projects in Ireland, contributing to more than 900 megawatts of renewable energy development.

Looking Ahead

The Dublin hydrogen fuel cell pilot is part of Microsoft’s broader commitment to becoming a carbon-negative, water-positive, and zero-waste company by 2030. The company’s efforts to decarbonise its data centres are just one aspect of its comprehensive sustainability strategy, which includes protecting ecosystems and contributing to the transition towards a cleaner, greener global economy.

As the hydrogen fuel cell pilot progresses, the potential for scaling this technology to other data centres across Europe and beyond could provide a significant boost to the decarbonisation of the tech sector. With ongoing innovations in green energy solutions, Microsoft’s leadership in sustainability may serve as a model for other companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining cutting-edge digital infrastructure.