Digital Realty has collaborated with Enel X to introduce grid balancing UPS solutions at its data centres in Ireland, with the aim of removing 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions from the country’s energy grid.

With the increased adoption of wind power in Ireland, this variable energy source can present challenges for grid management in terms of grid fluctuations and instability. Digital Realty is using stored energy from the integrated batteries within its UPS systems to provide balancing services, helping to maintain grid stability.

This means more renewable energy can be fed into the Irish electricity grid, ensuring it continues to operate reliably, while safeguarding critical loads for data centre customers.

Digital Realty has said it has initially integrated 6 MW of UPS capacity into the dynamic frequency programme. Once the remaining available capacity is introduced, the company says it expects to help the grid save more than 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

“Data centres are designed with efficiency front of mind – however, it’s crucial to acknowledge the complexity of integrating renewable energy sources into Ireland’s power grid. With this partnership, Digital Realty is using its data centre assets in an innovative way to support more renewables on the grid and reduce carbon emissions,” said Séamus Dunne, Managing Director, Digital Realty in the UK and Ireland.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Enel X on this transformative project, boosting the reliability of the power grid throughout Ireland.”

John Byrne, Head of Operations for the UK and Ireland at Enel X added, “Electricity grids of the future will become increasingly reliant on the formation of mutually beneficial relationships between user, technology and local regulations. By adopting this mindset, the infrastructure network that data centre owners create to support their own operations, could also provide valuable resilience to the grid operator that enables it to fulfil the green energy needs of a growing population and economy. Digital Realty is paving the way for other large energy consumers to become part of the solution to the challenges facing our electricity grid today and into the future.”