Pure DC and AVK Launch Europe's First Large-Scale 110MW Data Center Microgrid in Dublin

Pure DC and AVK Launch Europe's First Large-Scale 110MW Data Center Microgrid in Dublin

March 12, 2026

In a significant move to address the critical power constraints facing Europe's digital infrastructure, European data center operator Pure Data Centres (Pure DC) has partnered with power solutions firm AVK to launch what they describe as the continent's first large-scale, on-site microgrid. The 110-megawatt natural gas-fired project, located at Pure DC's campus in the Ballycoolin area of Dublin, Ireland, is designed to provide immediate, dispatchable power for data center operations, particularly to support the deployment of AI workloads, ahead of a full grid connection.

The microgrid will be comprised of three interconnected energy centers, each capable of generating up to 30MW of power. Energy Centre 1 and 2 are scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2026, with a third to follow. This infrastructure will support the existing DUB01 facility, operational since 2024, and future phases of the campus, which is ultimately designed to deliver 54MW across three data halls. Pure DC also holds an adjacent 25-acre plot for a potential future 90MW expansion.

"The biggest barrier to deploying AI infrastructure in Europe today isn’t technology — it’s power," said Gary Wojtaszek, Pure DC's executive chairman and interim CEO. "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."

The project represents a strategic shift towards hybrid energy configurations, combining grid-supplied electricity with on-site generation to enhance operational resilience. The system is engineered for future sustainability, with the capability to accommodate incremental changes in fuel composition, including hydrogen blending and biomethane trials, in line with Ireland's decarbonization goals. Its design also incorporates Combined Heat and Power (CHP) for potential district heating and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Ben Pritchard, CEO of AVK-SEG, highlighted the project's pioneering status in Europe, noting that while similar microgrids operate in the U.S., this deployment is a first of its scale for the region. "This project demonstrates how carefully designed on-site energy infrastructure can complement national energy planning frameworks," he stated. The local government also endorsed the approach, with Mayor of Fingal County Council, Tom O'Leary, calling it "innovation with purpose" for being climate-friendly and resilient.

The development underscores a growing trend where data center operators are taking direct control of their power destiny to meet the soaring demands of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. For Pure DC, which has over 1 gigawatt of capacity live or under development, the Dublin microgrid is a flagship project that could set a blueprint for deploying digital infrastructure in power-constrained markets across Europe.

Source: datacenterdynamics