The AVK–Pure Data Centres project marks a step change in European energy delivery.

As one of the first large-scale, microgrid-enabled energy centres serving data centre operations in Europe, it offers a practical template for resilient power. While microgrids are established in other regions, achieving this scale in Europe demanded advanced engineering and integration.

Irish firm Designer Group delivered the full mechanical and electrical (M&E) scope, demonstrating how tightly integrated M&E systems can underpin a future-ready energy platform.

On the electrical side, the scope covered plant movement and installation support, comprehensive medium-voltage (MV) cable installation, advanced containment systems, complete low-voltage (LV) power infrastructure, and extensive controls cabling networks.

The central challenge was managing interfaces across package plant, site infrastructure, control systems and commissioning within a live environment, coordinating MV distribution, LV power, plant controls and complex routing through congested plant areas.

This included strategic interface management between physical infrastructure and multi-vendor control philosophies; comprehensive integration of vendor control panels with site systems; and precise coordination of containment routes through intricate service zones.

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The outcome is a unified electrical ecosystem in which each component functions as part of an integrated energy network rather than as a standalone asset.

Mechanically, Designer Group delivered high-integrity pipework enabling flexible, dual-fuel generation strategies, supporting both primary and standby fuels through sophisticated distribution networks.

The installation comprised high-pressure natural gas systems with pressure reduction and distribution, HVO fuel storage and transfer solutions, advanced exhaust after-treatment for emissions control, engineered cooling and treated water systems, and precision instrument air services.

These multi-service pipework networks span multiple buildings and work fronts, requiring exceptional coordination and strict compliance with pressure and safety standards. The high-integrity approach ensures reliable fuel delivery to nine dual-fuel engines, providing the operational flexibility modern energy centres require.

Testing and commissioning were among the most technically demanding elements. Given the heavy interfacing, Designer Group implemented robust coordination protocols for progressive energisation and system proving.

The commissioning strategy sequenced activities so installed infrastructure, vendor panels and plant interfaces could be verified in the correct operational order, addressing interdependencies between mechanical, electrical and control systems while maintaining rigorous safety.

Key delivery milestones included successful coordination between Designer Group-installed electrical infrastructure and specialist vendor packages; aligning installation completion with controls-integration readiness; and validating panel interfaces with correctly landed alarms and control signals.

The programme covered comprehensive pressure testing, integrated system testing, and the complex sequencing required for seamless transitions between gas and HVO fuel systems.

The AVK–Pure Data Centres delivery underlines the growing importance of integrated M&E in the energy sector. As demand for flexible, resilient power expands across Ireland and Europe, the ability to coordinate complex, high-performance systems is becoming a key differentiator.

Insights from this microgrid-enabled energy centre will inform the next generation of data centre power systems. By prioritising integration, dual-fuel flexibility and precise commissioning, the project shows European infrastructure is ready to meet the challenges of a decentralised energy future.