Vodafone’s Dublin data centre could be most energy efficient in Europe

25 Jul 2011

Vodafone’s Dublin data centre, one of only three owned by Vodafone worldwide, has achieved environmental certification from the influential TÜV Rheinland, which suggests Vodafone may have one of the most energy-efficient data centres in Europe.

TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 140 years ago. The group maintains a presence at around 500 locations in 61 countries with 16,000 employees. Annual turnover is €1.3bn.

Most consumers would see TÜV Rheinland’s handiwork in the ‘CE’ and ‘TUV’ symbols on electronic products and plugs.

Vodafone’s data centre in Clonshaugh supports applications for Vodafone’s pan-European IT service. Employing 74 people, the data centre operates more than 3,800 servers in 13 data suites over an area of 5,500 sq metres, providing services to Vodafone across Europe.

The data centre usage has grown from 400 sq meters to 5,500 sq meters over the last 10 years.

Vodafone Ireland chief technology officer Fergal Kelly told Siliconrepublic.com that TÜV Rheinland highlighted in particular Vodafone’s drive towards energy efficiency and quality assurance as the key reasons for the certification.

“From a Vodafone perspective, we have been working since 2008 to reduce our CO2 emissions by 34pc, surpassing our own ambitious target of a 30pc reduction by 2011.”

Kelly said Vodafone is continuously monitoring the energy efficiency of its data centre and looking for innovative solutions as part of a green IT programme.

Vodafone saves enough electricity to serve 24 households

“One of the things that impressed TÜV Rheinland during their extensive audit of our Dublin data centre was that we had more initiatives under way to address energy efficiency than any other data centre they looked at.

“On foot of our corporate commitment, every area of the network and IT, particularly, are scrutinised intensely.

“By our estimate we saved enough energy to run 24 households, roughly 600,000 kilowatts per annum, which is a lot of energy,” Kelly said.

Photo: Vodafone Ireland CTO Fergal Kelly

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com