ESB's zero-emission Hydrogen Fuel Cells convert stored green hydrogen to electricity, with the only by-product being pure water. Designed to replace diesel generators, Hydrogen Fuel Cells produce no carbon emissions or harmful local air pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which can have significant health and environmental impacts.
The groundbreaking pilot is part of a series planned by ESB in 2024 and 2025 to showcase the versatility of hydrogen fuel cell technology in different power applications. The pilot is the first step in demonstrating the potential impact that hydrogen energy can have in helping to decarbonize the strategically important data center sector in Ireland.
Commenting on the launch of the pilot, Eoin Doherty, Vice President, EMEA Regional Leader, Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation, said: “The green hydrogen project we're launching with ESB is a pioneering first for Microsoft in Europe, demonstrating how zero- Hydrogen emissions can be harnessed to power our digital lives. If scaled successfully, it could provide new ways of advancing sustainability in our sector and beyond.”
Lavinia Morris, General Manager, Microsoft's EMEA Data Center Operations, commented further: “This pilot project is another important step in our journey to transition to carbon-free electricity supply for our data centers, 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 decarbonize our operations.”
Microsoft's Hydrogen Fuel Cell pilot project, in collaboration with ESB, is aligned with the 'Principles for Sustainable Data Center Development' set out by Government in its 2022 policy statement by supporting the development of data centers that make efficient use of the electricity grid and delivering renewable energy.
As well as investing in innovative technologies, Microsoft is playing a key role in helping to decarbonize the electricity grid. In November 2022, Microsoft announced new renewable energy contracts related to the development of more than 900 megawatts of onshore wind and solar energy projects in Ireland alone. The projects will see Microsoft significantly contribute to the Irish Government's 2030 corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) target.
