Red Admiral DC, a subsidiary of Tullamore-based energy firm Lumcloon Energy, has announced plans to build a 250MW data center in Westmeath, Ireland. This ambitious project is set to be the first of its kind in the country, utilizing a unique combination of technologies to operate independently from the national electricity grid.
Strategic Location and Development Timeline
The new data center will be located across multiple townlands—Kiltotan, Collinstown, Oldtown, and Farthingstown. Initial plans were submitted to An Bord Pleanála in December 2024, with the project currently in the pre-application phase. A decision on the application is pending.
Partnership with SK Ecoplant for a Sustainable Future
The data center project is being developed in collaboration with South Korea’s SK Ecoplant, marking a significant international partnership. Reports first surfaced in November 2023 about the integration of fuel cell technology to power the data center. This collaboration underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability, with Red Admiral DC stating that it will not only generate energy on-site but also store and manage it using innovative systems.
Key Features of the 250MW Data Center
Red Admiral’s data center will stand as a model for energy efficiency and sustainability. The facility will integrate advanced decentralized energy resources, making it largely self-sufficient. Key components of the energy infrastructure include:
- 160MW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System: This will provide efficient and clean power generation.
- 250MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): This will offer stability and resilience to the data center’s operations.
- 130MW Solar Photovoltaic Array: Harnessing renewable energy, this will further reduce the reliance on external sources of power.
By generating, storing, and managing its own energy, the data center aims to become fully energy-independent, reducing its reliance on the national grid while supporting grid stability during peak demand periods.
Implications for Ireland’s Digital and Energy Landscape
This project is seen as a transformative step for Ireland, both in terms of its digital infrastructure and energy strategy. According to Nigel Reams, CEO of Red Admiral DC, the facility will significantly enhance Ireland’s digital capabilities while contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
Local MEP Barry Cowen also expressed support for the project, emphasizing the importance of such data centers in bolstering Ireland’s digital economy. However, he cautioned that a broader national discussion is needed to address the growing energy needs of the sector, particularly as more data centers are developed across the country.
Addressing Ireland’s Power Grid Strain
The development comes at a time when Ireland is grappling with the growing strain that data centers place on the national power grid. In response to these concerns, grid operator EirGrid has implemented a de facto moratorium on new developments in the Dublin region, lasting until 2028. This has led to a shift in focus to other regions, such as Westmeath, for new data center developments.
Red Admiral’s Other Projects in Ireland
Beyond the Westmeath data center, Red Admiral’s parent company Lumcloon Energy is also behind the €500 million Castlelost Flexible Generation project in Rochfortbridge. This facility includes a 65MW battery storage system and a 275MW FlexGen power plant, both of which will provide backup power to the national grid, further underscoring the company’s commitment to energy innovation.
FAQ
1. What makes Red Admiral’s data center unique?
Red Admiral’s data center will be Ireland’s first energy-independent facility, generating and storing its own energy using advanced technologies such as fuel cells, battery storage, and solar power.
2. Who is partnering with Red Admiral on this project?
The project is being developed in partnership with South Korea’s SK Ecoplant, known for its expertise in sustainable energy technologies.
3. How will the data center support the national electricity grid?
Although the data center will primarily operate independently, its energy storage and generation capabilities will help stabilize the grid, particularly during peak demand.
4. What is the environmental impact of this data center?
The use of renewable energy sources like solar power and efficient fuel cells makes the data center an environmentally friendly project with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional data centers.
5. How will this project affect Ireland’s digital economy?
By providing a reliable and sustainable infrastructure for data storage and processing, the new data center will help Ireland meet the growing demands of its digital economy while minimizing environmental impact.
