Jenbachers to support Irish data center

Jenbacher engine technology has been selected by Winthrop Technologies to power a 60 MW hyperscale data center in Dublin, Ireland.

INNIO will deliver 22 containerized Jenbacher Type 6 engines, which can be converted to operate on hydrogen when the fuel is more readily available. The Jenbacher engines will provide 60 MW of continuous rated power output. The power plant will be used for emergency backup power and grid stabilization in times of higher demand and to support renewable power generation. Operating on pipeline gas, the Jenbacher engines emit up to 25% less CO2 and up to 90% less NOx emissions compared to traditionally used diesel generators, the company said. The greenfield project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2023.

INNIO’s Jenbacher engines to power 60 MW hyperscale data center power plant in Ireland. Image:INNIO

“The Winthrop gas gen team selected INNIO’s Jenbacher team to build this power plant because of the engines having diesel-like performance in combination with high efficiency and ability to run continuously,” said Noel Molloy, Operation Director at Winthrop Technologies. “Having received a platinum medal status in response to solid progress and execution of their ESG strategy including hydrogen readiness, INNIO’s Jenbacher technology was an obvious choice for us.”

Ireland has benefited from significant amounts of foreign tech investment over the past decade, transforming the country into one of Europe’s largest hyperscale data center hubs. Today, Dublin’s standing as Europe’s second-largest data center hub creates a challenge for the country’s energy infrastructure as server farms are increasingly integrated into the national grid. INNIO’s Jenbacher island mode solution will allow the Winthrop power plant to operate independently from the national grid during peak times and supporting the grid during peaking power. The fast-start and scalable 22 Jenbacher Type 6 engines will be installed in a plug-and-play containerized configuration.

“With our Jenbacher Type 6 engines, Winthrop can take advantage of hydrogen power the moment it becomes available as they are built to be upgraded quickly and seamlessly,” said Dr. Olaf Berlien, president and CEO of INNIO.

Winthrop Technologies delivers Turnkey Data Centre Solutions, providing services from design, through to construction across the full range of civil, structural, architectural, mechanical and electrical services as well as commissioning.

They are currently constructing multiple Turnkey Data Centre projects in nine European countries, equating to over 311MW of IT load in flight.