ESG Today writes that, under the agreement, Microsoft's data center building in Dublin will be supplied with up to 250kW worth of green hydrogen-derived electricity over a time frame of eight weeks or two months. This is the first time that the American technology company will use green hydrogen to power one of its data centers in Europe.

Microsoft, like other tech companies, pledged to reduce its emissions and reach net-zero by the next decade, but recently, its officials said that expanding the data centers' capabilities following increased demand for AI set back some of the progress. Thus, the company started to adopt a Scope 3 emissions reduction strategy to find the best solutions that would enable it to become net-zero as soon as possible.

Lavinia Morris, General Manager, Microsoft’s EMEA Data Center Operations, said that "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."

ESB is one of the energy companies that believes green hydrogen can contribute to a clean energy future, with the company's fuel cells replacing existing diesel generators. These fuel cells use stored green hydrogen to generate power without polluting the local environment.

Jim Dollard, ESB Executive Director, Generation and Trading, added that "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."