Equinix has launched a 12-week pilot programme using hydrogen-powered generators at one of its data centres in Blanchardstown, Dublin. The demonstration examines how hydrogen technologies could support critical infrastructure operations while addressing electricity supply challenges associated with growing digital demand.

RTÉ reported that two hydrogen power units developed by clean energy company GeoPura have been installed at the site and are being used to support cooling systems within the facility. GeoPura is supplying hydrogen produced from renewable sources for the duration of the project.

Each generator is housed in a shipping container-sized unit and the two systems operate in parallel. According to Equinix, the installation is designed to provide a zero direct onsite emissions alternative to conventional diesel or gas-powered backup generators.

The trial is being carried out in partnership with ESB and comes as Ireland continues to assess options for supporting increasing electricity demand from energy-intensive facilities. Data centres represented 22% of electricity consumption in Ireland in 2024, compared with 5% in 2015, and demand is projected to rise to almost one-third of national electricity usage by 2030.

Peter Lantry, managing director of Equinix Ireland, said: "This is a landmark research project that could be part of the solution to Ireland’s grid constraints and the challenge of accessing clean energy."

He added: "Ireland is already making serious moves on hydrogen and how it can be stored at scale here."

Paul Lennon, head of asset development at ESB Generation Trading, said: "As data demand continues to grow, solutions like hydrogen power units offer a reliable, clean alternative to traditional backup generation."

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Timmy Dooley said hydrogen has the potential to contribute to Ireland's transition towards a more sustainable energy system. He said: "Projects such as this provide valuable opportunities to test emerging technologies in real-world environments and deepen our understanding of how they can support future energy needs."

The pilot follows the publication of the Government's Large Energy Action Plan in January and changes announced by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities in December allowing new data centre developments to proceed where at least 80% of annual electricity demand is met through new renewable energy sources.

Discover more about the hydrogen power demonstration at Equinix's Dublin facility.