Schroders Greencoat, the dedicated energy transition arm of Schroders Capital, has launched a pioneering green digital infrastructure platform and completed its initial investment in sustainable data centre development. Announced on 5 March 2026, the move marks a significant step in addressing the explosive energy demands of artificial intelligence and hyperscale computing through renewable-powered solutions.
The new platform operates as a 50:50 joint venture between Schroders Greencoat’s evergreen Schroders Capital Semi-Liquid Global Energy Infrastructure (SCSL GEI) vehicle and Greencoat Renewables PLC, a listed European renewable energy investor.
It will focus on creating integrated energy parks and data centres that combine land availability, grid connections, and clean power assets to meet the soaring electricity needs of large technology users.
By prioritising renewable generation, storage, and advanced grid services, the initiative aims to deliver decarbonised power solutions while supporting national energy security and climate targets.
The platform’s debut project is the acquisition of the former Premier Periclase brownfield industrial site in Drogheda, County Louth, approximately 40 kilometres north of Dublin.
Situated beside Drogheda Port with excellent existing infrastructure, the location will be redeveloped as Drogheda Energy Park.
Plans include an initial 36 MW data centre, which has already secured advanced planning consent, alongside flexible on-site generation, energy storage facilities, and sophisticated grid-balancing capabilities.
Electricity supply will come via corporate power purchase agreements with renewable sources, ensuring the entire operation runs on clean energy and minimises strain on the national grid.
This investment aligns closely with Ireland’s Large Energy-Users Action Plan (LEAP), a forward-thinking government framework designed to facilitate responsible digital infrastructure growth while advancing net-zero objectives.
Ireland has emerged as a prime European hub for hyperscalers, and the platform’s model—leveraging expertise in renewables—positions it to expand into similar opportunities across Ireland and other European markets.
Paul O’Donnell, Investment Manager at Schroders Greencoat, described the venture as a natural evolution of the firm’s renewable energy track record.
He noted that AI-driven data centre growth creates a compelling chance to pair surging demand with sustainable power generation.
O’Donnell added that Ireland stands at the threshold of a new investment cycle backed by progressive policy, requiring reliable operators to deliver large-scale projects that enhance energy security, enable digital progress, and contribute to national climate goals.
Duncan Hale, Portfolio Manager at Schroders Greencoat, welcomed the development as the next milestone for SCSL GEI.
He highlighted the fund’s continued expansion and its role in opening energy transition access to a wider investor base.
The platform, he said, captures intersections between digital expansion and clean energy, building on Schroders Greencoat’s established strengths in wind and solar farms, green hydrogen, and battery storage across global markets.
Beyond technical capabilities, the project will deliver broader economic benefits.
Repurposing the brownfield site is expected to stimulate regional employment and investment while supporting Ireland’s sustainability objectives through responsible land reuse.
This launch underscores the accelerating convergence of digital infrastructure and renewable energy.
As AI reshapes global data demands, platforms like this offer investors diversified exposure to high-growth opportunities that deliver both financial returns and meaningful environmental impact. With strong local support and strategic positioning, Drogheda Energy Park sets a blueprint for future digital developments across Europe.
