Siemens Limited has announced a strategic partnership with the Irish energy solutions provider CES Energy to provide on-site energy solutions for tech multinationals locating their data centres in Ireland. Ireland is an ideal location for data centres offering a cool climate, data cable links to the US, and a pro-business approach to issues such data protection and IP. However data centre energy supply remains challenging as the pace of development is overtaking the already ambitious grid development plans in Ireland, hindering government efforts to establish Ireland as the data capital of Europe. The Siemens/CES Energy partnership will provide on-site electrical generation for data centres. Onsite generation has many benefits for data centre operators, offering a reliable power supply to meet data centre timeframes, as well as the reduction of costs and carbon footprint. Additionally, combining heat recovery with renewable options such as solar or bio gas ensures that onsite generation assists the country in reaching its emissions targets while providing a key sector in Ireland with the critical energy it needs. Onsite generation also offers the opportunity to channel excess heat and power into local Irish communities to power homes and businesses, an energy efficient practice adopted by Scandinavian countries. According to Brendan Marren, Director, CES Energy, “On-site generation is key to meeting the future energy demands of these power-hungry data hubs, while delivering on Ireland’s carbon footprint commitments. The availability of more efficient energy solutions rests alongside other long-term strategic planning that is key to sustainability if Ireland is to lead the way. Ultimately, Ireland has to meet tough EU requirements on carbon emissions.” Gary O’Callaghan, Chief Executive, Siemens Limited, commented. “The changing energy landscape is providing new opportunities for the data centre sector. With the joint expertise of Siemens and CES Energy, tech companies now have the option of self-sufficiency in power generation. When you make and manage your own energy, costs are predictable, you have a direct impact on your sustainability and you’re not constrained by grid availability.”