Microsoft trials hydrogen-powered data centers

The software giant has begun testing hydrogen fuel cells as a back-up power source at one of its U.S. data centers. A 250 kW pilot system successfully powered part of the facility for 48 hours and the company is now eyeing 3 MW systems to replace back-up diesel generators.

July 30, 2020 Mark Hutchins

Microsoft sees the fuel source having a much wider role than just providing data center back-up power.

Image: Power Innovation

U.S. software giant Microsoft this week announced the successful trial of a hydrogen fuel cell system to power one of its data centers. The company said the 250 kW pilot project provided proof of concept and, beyond back-up power, Microsoft said it has a much bigger vision of playing a leading role in the growth of a ‘hydrogen economy.’

Working with Utah-based developer Power Innovations, Microsoft began testing the pilot system in September and achieved a milestone last month when the fuel cell unit powered a data center for 48 hours.

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Mark Hutchins

Mark Hutchins joined pv magazine in September 2016 as production editor of the monthly global title. Mark also works online reporting on upstream technology and markets, as well as newly emerging solar regions.

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1 comment

Cristian Moreno says:
February 11, 2021 at 5:39 pm
Dear community,
I’m a big fan of green hydrogen. I’m interested in home scale use, planning to apply DIY hydrogen cell at a tiny home project (www.tinyhomeschile.cl) using ocean water + solar pannels. I would love to produce it liquid, to run a generator and more…
Reply

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