Why is Equinix Exploring Hydrogen at its Dublin Data Centre?

Equinix has deployed a hydrogen power system at its DB3 data centre in Dublin, marking its first live trial of the technology across its global estate. 

Delivered in partnership with ESB and GeoPura, the 12-week pilot seeks to address ongoing grid capacity constraints in the Dublin region, where energy availability continues to shape data centre development.

Two hydrogen-powered generators, each housed in container-sized units, are operating onsite to support cooling infrastructure. 

Together, they provide up to half a megawatt of continuous power, with the ability to respond dynamically to grid conditions through uninterruptible power supply (UPS) integration. 

The trial has already contributed to reducing power use effectiveness (PUE) at the facility to below 1.3.

“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,” says Peter Lantry, Managing Director of Equinix Ireland.

Together, they provide up to half a megawatt of continuous power, with the ability to respond dynamically to grid conditions through uninterruptible power supply (UPS) integration. 

The trial has already contributed to reducing power use effectiveness (PUE) at the facility to below 1.3.

“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,” says Peter Lantry, Managing Director of Equinix Ireland.

“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.”

Replacing diesel generators with hydrogen alternatives

The trial positions hydrogen fuel cells as a potential replacement for diesel and gas generators traditionally used in data centre backup systems. Powered by green hydrogen produced from renewable electricity, the units generate electricity through advanced PEM fuel cell technology, emitting only water and heat at the point of use.

This shift is significant for data centres, where backup generation remains one of the more challenging areas to decarbonise. Hydrogen systems offer a pathway to reduce operational emissions without compromising reliability, particularly for large energy users operating at scale.

“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,” says Paul Lennon, Head of Asset Development at ESB Generation Trading.

“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.”

Integrating hydrogen into data centre energy systems

Beyond backup, the trial explores how hydrogen can be integrated into wider data centre energy strategies. 

The system’s ability to operate alongside battery storage and UPS infrastructure allows for real-time responsiveness, supporting both resilience and peak shaving.

“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,” explains Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura.

“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.”

The trial also highlights potential secondary efficiencies. Waste heat generated by the fuel cells could support district heating schemes, while water byproducts may be reused within cooling systems, reducing reliance on mains supply.

Scaling hydrogen for future data centre demand

While the current deployment operates at sub-megawatt scale, the technology is designed to scale up to 50MW, opening the possibility of hydrogen supporting both backup and primary power for hyperscale environments. 

The project will generate data on safety, commercial viability and operational performance, contributing to broader industry and policy discussions.

Peter emphasises the importance of local production and integration with existing infrastructure as hydrogen adoption progresses. 

“To deploy hydrogen power more widely, the optimum solution is to produce green hydrogen close to the source, so in this case, here in Ireland, and then to blend it into the existing gas grid, and utilise it via grid-connected sources,” he says. 

“This would be the most efficient approach. Equinix could then design and deploy fuel cell solutions, once commercially available, to power future data centres.”