Inexperienced hydrogen is rising as a key participant within the clear vitality transition. With this thought, Microsoft and Irish vitality firm ESB have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking pilot mission that might reshape the best way knowledge facilities are powered. To decarbonize its operations, the tech big will use green hydrogen (H2) gas cells to generate clear electrical energy at its Dublin campus.
Microsoft Switches to Inexperienced Hydrogen to Deal with Scope 3 Emissions
Microsoft’s transfer to undertake inexperienced hydrogen aligns with its broader sustainability targets. In 2020, the tech big dedicated to changing into carbon-negative, water-positive, and zero-waste by 2030. This newest mission not solely helps that imaginative and prescient but in addition demonstrates how hydrogen know-how can play a vital position in decarbonizing sectors like knowledge facilities, that are vital vitality shoppers.
Lavinia Morris, Common Supervisor, of Microsoft’s EMEA Information Centre Operations, remarked,
“This pilot project is another important step in our journey to transition to carbon-free electricity supply for our data centers, buildings, and campuses around the world. As we look to advance a more sustainable future, we hope to build on the success of this pilot project and continue to find innovative ways to decarbonize our operations.”
Nevertheless, latest studies reveal that Microsoft’s Scope 3 emissions in 2023 had been 30% greater than in 2020. The rise in emissions is basically pushed by the growth of knowledge facilities to fulfill the rising demand for AI computing energy. Consequently, switching to blue hydrogen is one strategy to deal with the Scope 3 emissions.
Supply: Microsoft 2024 sustainability report
This pilot mission additionally adheres to the ‘Principles for Sustainable Data Centre Development’ outlined by the Irish authorities. By making certain environment friendly use of the electrical energy grid and selling the usage of renewable vitality, Microsoft is contributing to the nation’s sustainability targets.
ESB’s Progressive Hydrogen Gas Cells: Zero Emissions, Most Influence
Hydrogen is rising as an important element of the clear vitality transition. It’s particularly precious for sectors the place renewable options like wind and photo voltaic are much less sensible. ESB’s hydrogen gas cells can probably substitute diesel mills and supply a carbon-free different that may energy vital infrastructure with none carbon emissions.
Microsoft’s press release explains that the pilot mission will run for eight weeks. Considerably it’s the first time that hydrogen gas cells might be used to supply electrical energy to Microsoft’s knowledge heart in Europe. These zero-emission gas cells, designed by ESB, will ship as much as 250 kW of energy to Microsoft’s knowledge heart and administration constructing in Dublin.
The important thing function of hydrogen gas cells is their potential to transform saved green hydrogen into electrical energy. The one byproduct? Pure water. In contrast to conventional diesel mills, these cells produce no carbon emissions or dangerous air pollution, similar to sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or particulate matter. This makes them a perfect answer for lowering the environmental and well being impacts usually related to backup energy programs.
Eoin Doherty, Vice President, EMEA Regional Chief, Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation, mentioned,
“The green hydrogen project we’re launching with ESB is a pioneering first for Microsoft in Europe, demonstrating how zero-emissions hydrogen can be harnessed to power our digital lives. If scaled successfully, it could provide new ways of advancing sustainability in our sector and beyond.”
Moreover, Jim Dollard, ESB Government Director, Technology and Buying and selling, commented,
“ESB believes 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 that will showcase the potential for green hydrogen as part of zero-emission electricity generation for data centers.”
Notably, the Dublin pilot is simply the beginning of a broader shift to hydrogen energy throughout Europe. ESB goals to increase hydrogen gas cell initiatives in 2024 and 2025, showcasing its versatility in varied vitality purposes.
Inexperienced hydrogen capability targets and consumption potentials in chosen international locations within the EU in 2030
Supply: Statista
Microsoft’s collaboration with ESB highlights the position hydrogen can play in reshaping vitality manufacturing and consumption. With rising sectors like AI and cloud computing, the demand for cleaner energy is extra pressing than ever. By adopting hydrogen gas cells, Microsoft is demonstrating how revolutionary options may help meet these challenges and scale back emissions.
Supply: Microsoft announces pioneering green hydrogen pilot project with ESB
