Pure DC demonstrates gas connected data centres can be decarbonised with Europe’s first large scale biomethane deal

Pure Data Centres Group (Pure DC) has announced it has completed Europe’s first large scale cross-border biomethane purchase for a data centre, transferring 9GWh of certified German biomethane to the Irish gas network over a seven day period.

The transaction is a 9000 fold increase on its proof of concept (PoC), announced in March 2026 and demonstrates that gas connected data centres can now be decarbonised at operational scale. Both the PoC and the scaled purchase use the same cross-border methodology, certification standards, and GNI Renewable Gas Registry processes and are consistent with Ireland's large energy user policy and climate action plan.  

The 9 GWh consignment was produced in 2025 at certified facilities in Germany using waste and residue feedstocks. The biomethane is unsubsidised, independently certified under the ISCC scheme, and compliant with Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II and RED III. It carries a carbon intensity of less than 12 gCO₂/MJ – within the thresholds required for zero rated treatment under the EU ETS, subject to EPA monitoring plan approval.

Such transactions require coordination across producers, brokers, shippers, and regulators spanning multiple jurisdictions. This collaborative model highlights the value of an integrated approach across Ireland's regulatory infrastructure – including the GNI Renewable Gas Registry, the EPA's alignment of EU ETS monitoring with RED criteria, and the CRU's supervisory framework.

Renewable gas is a transitional measure, forming part of Pure DC’s strategy to achieve net zero by 2040. The company continues to progress Irish biomethane purchases alongside EU and UK imports, while advancing longer term strategies – including local renewable energy integration, energy storage, and efficiency measures. 

The gas was mass balanced from the German grid to the Irish network via established interconnectors, with the renewable attribute tracked end to end through the GNI Renewable Gas Registry. The associated certificates have been approved by GNI and are scheduled for cancellation in 2026, formally retiring the green attribute to ensure exclusive use and prevent double counting.

Ireland's National Biomethane Strategy targets up to 5.7 TWh of domestic biomethane annually by 2030. While Irish production remains in development, EU imports facilitated by established infrastructure and the GNI registry bridge the gap and stimulate local investment. RED compliant biomethane qualifies as zero rated fuel for EU ETS operators, reducing allowance requirements and limiting carbon price exposure.

Maria Jose Rivas Duarte, director of sustainability at Pure DC, said: ‘This milestone supports Ireland’s climate action plan and aligns with the LEU policy, under which data centres must meet at least 80% of their annual energy demand with additional renewable electricity. By demonstrating that cross-border biomethane can be procured, mass balanced, and registered at volume through existing infrastructure, we are helping to pave the way for broader data centre sector adoption as well as other industries seeking a credible route to decarbonise natural gas.’

For Pure DC, this transaction represents a deliberate step towards a balanced and resilient biomethane portfolio, combining Irish biomethane, EU imports, and UK sourced supply to ensure diversification across geographies, feedstock types, and contract structures.

Agnes Warner, property director at Pure DC, said: ‘Our biomethane procurement strategy is designed to build a balanced portfolio that provides long term security and credibility. For our customers, this means a demonstrable, auditable pathway to lower embedded emissions – making our platform more attractive to hyperscalers and enterprise customers while supporting their sustainability commitments.’