Key Impact Points:

• Innovative Partnership: Microsoft collaborates with ESB to launch a pioneering green hydrogen pilot project, utilizing zero-emission fuel cells to power its Dublin data centre.
• Environmental Benefits: The pilot employs Hydrogen Fuel Cells that emit only water, eliminating carbon emissions and harmful pollutants, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy in data centre operations.
• Future Potential: This initiative exemplifies a scalable solution for decarbonizing the data sector, aligning with global sustainability goals and Microsoft’s commitment to a zero-waste, carbon-negative future by 2030.

Microsoft has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative in Dublin, partnering with ESB to power its data centre using green hydrogen. This marks the first deployment of Hydrogen Fuel Cells for a Microsoft data centre in Europe, set to provide 250kW of clean energy over an eight-week period.

ESB’s innovative technology converts green hydrogen into electricity, producing only pure water as a byproduct. Designed as a replacement for diesel generators, these cells contribute no carbon emissions or local air pollutants, presenting a clean alternative that aligns with health and environmental standards.

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“The green hydrogen project we’re launching with ESB is a pioneering first for Microsoft in Europe,” said Eoin Doherty, Vice President, EMEA Regional Leader, Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation. “If scaled successfully, it could provide new ways of advancing sustainability in our sector and beyond.”

Lavinia Morris, General Manager at Microsoft’s EMEA Data Centre Operations, added, “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.”

Jim Dollard, ESB Executive Director, highlighted the pilot’s alignment with future energy systems: “ESB believe 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.”

Microsoft’s sustainable initiatives continue to grow, with significant investments in renewable energy contracts aiming to support Ireland’s 2030 corporate power purchase agreement target. This pilot project underscores Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing the sustainability of its global operations.