Equinix trials hydrogen backup power at Dublin data centre

Equinix has completed a trial of hydrogen-powered backup systems at its DB3 data centre in Dublin, the first deployment of its kind across the company's global estate of more than 280 data centres.

The 12-week pilot, carried out with ESB and hydrogen supplier GeoPura at the Blanchardstown facility, involved installing two hydrogen-powered generator units to support cooling systems in a live operating environment.

Each unit is roughly the size of a shipping container. Running in parallel, the systems can provide up to half a megawatt of continuous power. They are linked with uninterruptible power supply equipment to respond to changes in grid availability.

The trial comes as parts of the Dublin metropolitan area continue to face electricity grid constraints, a growing concern for data centre operators and other large power users seeking to expand in Ireland.

The hydrogen systems are being assessed as a possible alternative to the diesel and gas generators used for critical backup. GeoPura supplied hydrogen produced from renewable electricity.

During the pilot, the units helped reduce power usage effectiveness at DB3 to below 1.3. Power usage effectiveness is a standard industry measure of data centre energy efficiency, with a lower figure indicating less overhead energy use.

Grid pressure

Ireland has seen sustained debate over the electricity demands of data centres, particularly in the Dublin region, where pressure on infrastructure has affected the availability of new grid connections. Against that backdrop, the trial is intended not only to strengthen backup resilience but also to examine whether hydrogen could play a broader role at grid-constrained sites.

Equinix and ESB expect to gather data on emissions reduction, operational performance, safety, commercial viability and peak-shaving. The findings could also inform work by policymakers and universities on how hydrogen might be deployed in Ireland.

According to the companies involved, the potential use case extends beyond data centres. Areas under consideration include temporary power for construction sites and other operations that currently depend on diesel generation.

Hydrogen fuel cell systems of this kind produce water and heat at the point of use rather than onsite combustion emissions. Equinix said the water could potentially be recycled into cooling systems, while the heat could be considered for district heating.

Executive comments

Minister of State Timmy Dooley commented on the trial and its relevance to Ireland's energy transition.

"Hydrogen has the potential to play an important role in Ireland's transition to a more sustainable energy system. 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.

"It is encouraging to see companies operating in sectors that are critical to Ireland's economic growth exploring innovative approaches to reducing emissions. Trials like this help build knowledge, foster collaboration and contribute to the wider conversation about how new energy solutions can support Ireland's climate ambitions," said Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Peter Lantry, managing director of Equinix Ireland, said the company sees the project as part of a wider effort to examine alternatives for backup generation in a live operational setting.

"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. Ireland is already making serious moves on hydrogen and how it can be stored at scale here. What we're doing with ESB is a different piece of the same puzzle: proving that hydrogen can work as a practical, zero direct onsite-emissions alternative to diesel and gas in a live environment. If this pilot delivers what we expect, it adds real momentum to Ireland's decarbonisation story," said Peter Lantry, managing director of Equinix Ireland.

For ESB, the project fits into a broader interest in hydrogen as part of a lower-carbon electricity system for critical infrastructure.

"The deployment of hydrogen fuel cells at Equinix data centres is another important step in demonstrating how zero direct onsite-emission technologies can support critical infrastructure. As data demand continues to grow, solutions like hydrogen power units offer a reliable, clean alternative to traditional backup generation. At ESB, we see green hydrogen playing a key role in enabling resilient, low-carbon energy systems, and we're proud to partner with forward-thinking organisations like Equinix to bring these solutions into real-world operation," said Paul Lennon, head of asset development, ESB Generation Trading.

GeoPura said the Dublin installation shows how hydrogen fuel cells can be combined with battery systems and backup infrastructure in a working data centre.

"As demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow, operators are facing increasing pressure to secure reliable power, reduce emissions and minimise the impact on local communities. This trial shows how hydrogen can help address those challenges today. By combining hydrogen fuel cell technology with battery systems and uninterruptible power capabilities, we're delivering reliable zero direct onsite-emission power that can respond instantly when required.

"Working alongside Equinix and ESB, this project is demonstrating that hydrogen can support both backup and prime power applications in a live data centre environment, showing how hydrogen can strengthen energy resilience, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support the continued growth of critical digital infrastructure," said Andrew Cunningham, CEO, GeoPura.