DUB20 Cleared as Ireland’s First Green Data Campus
Ireland’s DUB20 project just secured planning permission to build the nation’s first green energy park data center.
Echelon Data Centres advances construction on the DUB20 campus in Arklow, County Wicklow, at the former Irish Fertilisers Industries site in Avoca River Business Park. This 100-acre development marks Ireland’s pioneering green energy park data center, cleared for phase one after meeting strict grid criteria.
Phase one delivers 90 megawatts of IT load capacity across a 45,000 square meter footprint, with plans underway to expand to 204 megawatts total. Onsite energy centers generate 293 megawatts, backed by a 220-kilovolt grid substation, enabling power export to the national grid during peak demand.
DUB20 satisfies the Commission for Regulation of Utilities’ 2021 standards, the first large-scale facility in over four years to gain EirGrid connection approval. It addresses concerns over data centers consuming over a fifth of Ireland’s electricity by offering demand flexibility and renewable support services when output falls short.
The project promises robust economic impact, including 1,100 construction jobs and 200 permanent roles initially, scaling to 715 across DUB20 and nearby DUB30. Echelon commits €3.5 billion for data and energy infrastructure, boosting regional growth and foreign investment.
Sustainability defines DUB20 as a net-zero pathway model. Solar PV systems will produce over 6,000 MWh yearly, paired with battery storage for grid stability. It underpins nearly 1 gigawatt of wind energy, enhancing security and fossil fuel transition.
Leaders hail the planning permission as endorsement of responsible development. Echelon’s Cormac Nevin notes it aligns government policy with climate goals while welcoming sector investment. COO Graeme McWilliams emphasizes grid citizenship and job creation.
Over 80 data centers operate in Ireland, fueling debates on energy use. DUB20 counters this as the largest non-power-station grid asset, providing security services to EirGrid and promoting clean energy integration.
Construction starts this year on the 200-megawatt-capable site, targeting 2028 completion. Nearby DUB30 at Kish Business Park mirrors the 90-megawatt IT load, amplifying local benefits.
Key features include:
- Green energy designation for sustainable operations
- Two onsite centers: one for self-power, one for grid export
- Job creation: 2,600 during build phase across sites
- Investment drives 1GW renewable backing
- Meets CRU criteria for demand flexibility
This An Bord Pleanála decision equivalent via grid clearance paves way for innovative projects, balancing environmental impact with economic gains in Wicklow.
Originally reported in IndexBox on Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:48:51 +0000. Full story
