Offaly company behind plans for multi-billion euro data centre

An Offaly company is behind plans to develop Ireland’s first energy-independent data centre in the midlands.

Just before Christmas, Tullamore-based energy firm Red Admiral DC submitted a pre-application consultation to An Bord Pleanála for a 250MW data centre located close to Rochfortbridge, and near the border with North Offaly.

In a statement issued on Monday, Red Admiral says that the multi-billion euro project, which is being developed in partnership with the South Korean firm SK Ecoplant, is a “ground breaking move towards a sustainable digital future”, as it will generate and store its own energy on-site.

“The ambitious project integrates advanced decentralised energy resource (DER) technologies, enabling the facility to achieve energy independence while actively supporting the national electricity grid,” the Red Admiral statement reads.

“Rather than relying heavily on the national grid, it will generate, store, and manage its own energy on-site using a combination of technologies. This includes a 160MW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system for efficient and clean power generation, a 250MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for stability and resilience, and a 120MW solar photovoltaic array to harness renewable energy.

“These features will reduce reliance on grid electricity and minimise transmission losses. It will also contribute surplus power during periods of high renewable generation.”

Nigel Reams, CEO of Red Admiral DC, says that the project “represents a transformative step for Ireland’s energy and digital landscape”.

“By integrating cutting-edge energy technologies, we’re not only ensuring energy independence for our data centre, but also contributing surplus power to the grid when needed. This project embodies our vision of sustainability, innovation, and meaningful economic impact for the Midlands and the wider country.”

Red Admiral DC says that the project will deliver “significant economic benefits to Westmeath and the wider midlands region” creating hundreds of jobs during the construction and generating long-term employment in data centre operations, energy management and associated industries.

The firm also says that the site of the proposed development next to the M6 “offers a prime position for the storage and processing of cloud and AI data without the need for extensive works”.

“By situating the project in the midlands, Red Admiral DC is supporting balanced regional development, aligning with Ireland’s digitalisation and decarbonisation transition policies, alleviating infrastructural pressure on Dublin, and revitalising the local economy.

“The development will feature six two-storey data halls designed with environmental sustainability in mind. Advanced cooling and heat recovery systems will optimise energy efficiency and water conservation. Designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, Project Admiral underscores Red Admiral DC’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence,” the firm added.

Red Admiral DC is a subsidiary of the Lumcloon Group, the firm behind the soon-to-be completed €500m Castlelost Flexible Generation energy project also located in Rochfortbridge, which includes a 65MW battery storage facility and a 275MW FlexGen power plant fuelled by natural gas that will provide back up to the national grid