Microsoft Azure: Microsoft to extend DC footprint to Naas, Ireland

Microsoft recently commenced plans to develop plans for a new Irish data center campus near Jigginstwon in Naas. Following reports by Kildare Nationalist, Microsoft has begun consultations with authorities for the proposed development of one of the two sites marked for DC usage in the Council’s 2021-2027 Naas Local Area Plan.

“It is our ambition that this project will be designed and developed in line with the six guiding principles included in the ‘Principles for Sustainable Data Centre Development’ set out by the Government in its 2022 policy statement on the role of data centers in Ireland’s enterprise strategy,” the company said. 

Speaking about energy, the company noted a preference to use “100 percent renewable energy as committed to in our recent announcement with the Government to enter into multi-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) with energy companies to create new renewable energy contracts, which will see Microsoft contribute close to 30 percent of Ireland’s corporate power purchase agreement target by 2030.”

Microsoft mentioned that it’s selection of Naas was to help build its reputation at the forefront of Ireland’s digital economy. However, details on the campus size and capacity were withheld.