Mar 16, 2026 (MarketLine via COMTEX) --
A 110 MW on-site microgrid in Dublin is designed to support staggered data center supply without overloading the Irish national grid, easing energy constraints and enabling cloud and AI deployments.
Pure Data Centres Group ( Pure DC ), the developer and operator of hyperscale AI and cloud data centres, and AVK , the leading European provider of primary, backup and dispatchable power solutions for data centres and AI infrastructure, today announced the launch of Europe's first 110 MW on-premises microgrid, developed to support site operational resilience in the initial phase.
Located on Pure DC's Dublin campus, the on-site energy system provides the potential for distributed capacity to support data center operations during the initial development phases, prior to full integration into the national electricity grid when grid connection capacity becomes available. The campus is designed to operate within a hybrid energy configuration, combining grid-supplied electricity with on-site infrastructure designed to enhance system flexibility, resilience, and stability.
This deployment, the first of its kind in Europe, illustrates the potential of using AVK's microgrid technology for on-site power generation, as well as the transitional and complementary role it can play in supporting the provision of strategically important digital infrastructure. This approach is particularly useful in regions where grid reinforcement and renewable energy generation are implemented in stages as part of national planning.
The microgrid also represents an innovative model for energy production and shows how large-scale microgrids can be replicated across Europe, with Germany, the Netherlands and the UK identified as target markets for this technology.
Fingal County Council Mayor, Councillor Tom O'Leary, says: "Fingal wants to remain a champion of cutting-edge technology, but we also understand that progress must be made in a way that is climate-friendly, resilient, and consistent with Ireland's energy transition. That's why this project is so important. A microgrid capable of generating and managing its own energy, supporting future integration into the national grid, incorporating renewables, enabling storage, and experimenting with new low-carbon fuels like biomethane – that's innovation for a purpose."
Gary Wojtaszek, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO of Pure DC, says : "The biggest obstacle to deploying AI infrastructure in Europe today is not technology, but power. This microgrid proves that even the most limited markets can unlock new digital capabilities, giving Ireland the opportunity to be at the forefront of the next chapter of AI infrastructure in Europe. The future of AI infrastructure will be built where energy and computing meet – and that's exactly what we're building at Pure."
Regarding the project, Ben Pritchard, CEO of AVK-SEG, stated : "We are delighted to have worked with Pure DC to deliver this groundbreaking project. While several microgrids are already in operation in the United States, there has been no deployment of this type in Europe until now. This project demonstrates that a carefully designed on-site energy infrastructure can complement national energy planning frameworks."
"The project recognizes that energy is now the new differentiating factor for data centers and has moved from the status of a public utility to that of a strategic asset, determining the location, design, economics, and competitiveness of operators. The first of many in Europe, this microgrid has the potential to revolutionize the data center energy race as we know it, providing a complementary solution that will alleviate network congestion and pave the way for greater adoption of AI and the cloud."
The power of the digital economy
Pure DC's microgrid consists of three interconnected energy centers, each building producing up to 30 MW of electricity. Energy Center 1 (EC1) and EC2 will be fully operational by the end of 2026 and will be followed by EC3 at a later stage.
The design includes a combined heat and power (CHP) facility, with existing infrastructure to enable heat recovery and potential future connection to district heating networks, subject to third-party demand and regulatory approvals. Waste heat recovery systems are also used to enhance the operational efficiency of the energy centers.
Future water management measures include rainwater harvesting and on-site treatment, thereby reducing reliance on mains water for engine-related processes.
The system is designed to adapt to gradual changes in fuel composition, including hydrogen blending, to support the future decarbonization of the gas network in accordance with national policy.
Pure DC's integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) manages load fluctuations and optimizes operational efficiency, improving response times and enabling more optimal motor performance. The BESS is designed to support the future integration of renewable energy sources as part of a broader energy transition.
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COMTEX_478958385/2227/2026-05-11T20:48:20
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