Located within Pure DC’s data centre campus in Dublin, the on-site energy system is expected to provide dispatchable capacity to support data centre operations during the initial development phases.
The first of its kind in Europe, the solution is intended to operate as part of a hybrid energy configuration, combining grid‑supplied electricity with on‑site infrastructure. Ultimately, this should enhance flexibility, resilience and system stability – while avoiding burdening Ireland’s national grid.
“The biggest barrier to deploying AI infrastructure in Europe today isn’t technology, it’s power. This microgrid proves that even the most constrained markets can unlock new digital capacity, giving Ireland the opportunity to lead Europe’s next chapter of AI infrastructure,” said Gary Wojtaszek, executive chairman and interim CEO at Pure DC.
“The future of AI infrastructure will be built where energy and compute come together – and that’s exactly what we’re building at Pure.”
A pioneering deployment in Europe, both companies want to demonstrate the ability to use AVK’s microgrid technology for on-site power generation and how it can also support the delivery of strategically important digital infrastructure. The companies said this is particularly important in regions where grid reinforcement and renewables are being delivered on a phased basis under national planning frameworks.
Microgrids, which have been touted as a more future-proof solution for data centres, could be replicated further across Europe, with Germany, the Netherlands and the UK having been identified as key target markets for the technology.
Pure DC’s microgrid consists of three interconnected energy centres, with each building generating up to 30MW of power. Energy Centres 1 and 2 (EC1, EC2) will be fully operational by the end of 2026, both companies said, which will be followed by EC3 at a later stage.
The design includes Combined Heat and Power (CHP) capability, with infrastructure in place to enable heat recovery and possible future connection to district heating networks. Waste heat recovery systems can also be used to improve operational efficiency within the energy centres.
Future water management measures have also been discussed, which include rainwater harvesting and on-site treatment to reduce reliance on mains water. Additionally, the system is designed to accommodate changes in fuel composition, including hydrogen blending, to support future decarbonisation of the gas network.
Speaking about the project, Ben Pritchard, CEO at AVK-SEG said: “We are delighted to have worked with Pure DC to deliver this groundbreaking project. While several microgrids are already in operation in the US, until today, there were none of these deployments in Europe. This project demonstrates how carefully designed onsite energy infrastructure can complement national energy planning frameworks.”
He added: “This recognises that power is now the new differentiator for data centres, and that energy has shifted from being a utility to a strategic asset – shaping the location, design, economics and competitiveness for operators. The first of many in Europe, this microgrid has the capability to revolutionise the data centre power race as we know it – providing a complementary solution that will ease gridlock and pave the way for greater take-up of AI and cloud.”
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Datacloud Energy 2026
After a standout 2025 edition, we’re back with an even sharper focus on the intersection of data centres, energy, and ESG. As power demand rises and regulations evolve, there’s a growing urgency to rethink how infrastructure is powered, financed, and built for long-term impact.
