ECL's Green Hydrogen Revolution: Future of Emission-Free Data Centres
London, Friday, 17 October 2025.
ECL’s new off-grid data centres run entirely on green hydrogen, setting a sustainable benchmark. This could inspire a tech-wide shift towards zero-emission operations, crucial for meeting climate goals.
ECL’s Hydrogen-Powered Data Centres
ECL, a startup led by Yuval Bachar, has introduced data centres entirely powered by green hydrogen, marking a significant leap in sustainable technology. This initiative earned ECL three awards at the Global Sustainability Awards 2025, including the Net Zero Award, Project of the Year, and Startup Award [1]. ECL’s centres are not only emissions-free but also self-sufficient, using water produced during hydrogen fuel cell operations for cooling [1].
Impact on the Tech Industry
The launch of these off-grid data centres is a potential game-changer for the tech industry. As data centres contribute significantly to electricity consumption globally, with estimates ranging from 240 to 340 TWh in 2022 [2], ECL’s model offers a blueprint for reducing environmental impact. By showcasing the viability of green hydrogen, ECL sets a precedent that other companies might follow, potentially leading to broader adoption of zero-emission operations [1][2].
Broader Implications for Sustainability
ECL’s innovative approach aligns with global trends towards renewable energy and reduced carbon footprints. As countries like Morocco ramp up their green hydrogen production with aims to produce up to 4 GW by 2030 [3], ECL’s success could encourage more investments in this sector. The shift to renewable energy sources is crucial, especially as data centre energy use is projected to double by 2026 [2].
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the promise, challenges remain in scaling hydrogen technology and infrastructure. The transition requires robust investment and collaboration from governments and private sectors. ECL’s venture demonstrates the technical feasibility, but widespread adoption will depend on economic and policy support [3][4]. With increasing interest in hydrogen’s role in energy resilience and grid balancing [4], the future looks promising if these hurdles can be overcome.