Microsoft has joined forces with the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) to implement a groundbreaking initiative at its Dublin data centre: the introduction of green hydrogen as a power source. In a pilot project scheduled to run for eight weeks, Microsoft’s data centre in Europe will utilize zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity.
Green hydrogen is produced by converting stored hydrogen into energy using fuel cells. The fuel cells employed by ESB, powered by green hydrogen, produce no carbon emissions and only water as a by-product. This clean and efficient alternative offers a viable option to fossil fuels.
ESB’s hydrogen fuel cells will provide up to 250kW of clean energy to power the Microsoft power control and administration building on the Dublin data centre campus. The primary objective of this pilot project is to demonstrate the viability of utilizing hydrogen as a primary power source, surpassing its conventional use as a backup to diesel generators.
Eoin Doherty, VP, EMEA Regional Leader, Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of hydrogen power to reduce the data centre’s dependence on fossil fuels. He stated that the green hydrogen project represents a pioneering first for Microsoft in Europe, showcasing the capabilities of zero-emissions hydrogen to power our digital lives. Doherty added that if the project proves successful, it could revolutionize sustainability in the sector and have a far-reaching impact.
While hydrogen fuel cells have been incorporated into data centres as backup generators, their usage as the primary power source has been limited. However, recent developments have shown promise. Earlier this year, DCaaS provider ECL launched a data centre in Silicon Valley that is powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cells. This successful implementation has paved the way for similar projects, including Microsoft’s pilot in Dublin.
By showcasing the application of hydrogen as a primary power source, the Dublin pilot has the potential to significantly advance the use of clean hydrogen in European data centres. This exciting development will not only help organizations meet their sustainability and environmental goals but will also shape the future of the data centre industry. Stay updated on the latest tech conversations and discover pioneering innovations by joining this year’s most exciting technology event. Don’t miss out!
FAQ Section:
1. What is the initiative between Microsoft and the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) at the Dublin data centre?
– Microsoft and ESB are implementing a pilot project at the Dublin data centre where they will utilize green hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity.
2. How is green hydrogen produced?
– Green hydrogen is produced by converting stored hydrogen into energy using fuel cells.
3. What are the advantages of using green hydrogen as a power source?
– Green hydrogen fuel cells produce no carbon emissions and only water as a by-product, making it a clean and efficient alternative to fossil fuels.
4. How much clean energy will the ESB’s hydrogen fuel cells provide to the Dublin data centre?
– The hydrogen fuel cells will provide up to 250kW of clean energy to power the Microsoft power control and administration building on the Dublin data centre campus.
5. What is the primary objective of the pilot project?
– The primary objective is to demonstrate the viability of utilizing hydrogen as a primary power source in data centres, going beyond its conventional use as a backup to diesel generators.
6. What is Eoin Doherty’s view on the green hydrogen project?
– Eoin Doherty, VP of Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation, is optimistic about hydrogen power’s potential to reduce the data centre’s dependence on fossil fuels. He believes the project could revolutionize sustainability in the sector if successful.
7. Has hydrogen been used as the primary power source in data centres before?
– While hydrogen fuel cells have been used as backup generators in data centres, their usage as the primary power source has been limited. However, recent developments, including Microsoft’s pilot in Dublin, show promise.
Key Terms:
– Green hydrogen: Hydrogen produced through the conversion of stored hydrogen into energy using fuel cells, with no carbon emissions and only water as a by-product.
– Fuel cells: Devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
– Data centre: A centralized location where computing and networking equipment and resources are concentrated for the purpose of collecting, storing, processing, and distributing large amounts of data.
Suggested Related Links:
– Microsoft
– ESB
– DCaaS provider ECL