Global investment manager Schroders’ renewable infrastructure investment unit Schroders Greencoat announced the launch of a new green digital infrastructure platform, aimed at investing in green energy data centres and energy parks supporting growing AI needs.

Formed as a 50:50 joint venture between Schroders Greencoat’s evergreen vehicle, Schroders Capital Semi-Liquid Global Energy Infrastructure (SCSL GEI), and Dublin-based Greencoat Renewables, the new platform will target opportunities where grid access, land and renewable energy infrastructure can be combined to serve the fast-growing and energy-intensive requirements of hyperscalers.

Duncan Hale, Portfolio Manager, Schroders Greencoat, said:

“The Semi-Liquid Global Energy Infrastructure Fund continues to grow, and we’re delighted to build on this momentum with our investment into Schroders Greencoat’s green digital infrastructure platform. We established the Fund to enable access to the energy transition for a broader range of investors; today marks the next milestone, as we unlock opportunities emerging at the intersection of digital growth and clean energy.”

The platform will initially focus on opportunities in Ireland, identified by Schroders as one of the leading European markets for hyperscalers and large energy users, which is entering the next cycle of digital infrastructure development following the Irish Government’s recently launched Large Energy-Users Action Plan (LEAP), supporting the buildout in a way that minimizes impacts on the grid and supports national climate objectives.

The new platform is being launched with the announcement of its first investment, the acquisition of the Premier Periclase facility. Located approximately 40 km north of Dublin, the site is a brownfield industrial site with access to existing infrastructure, that will be developed as an integrated energy park combining flexible on-site generation, storage, and advanced grid-services capabilities. The site intends to source its electricity requirements from renewable energy assets through corporate power purchase agreements, decarbonizing energy usage for co-located large energy users.

Paul O’Donnell, Partner at Schroders Greencoat, said:

“There is an exciting opportunity in integrating data centre demand with renewable energy generation to support the rapid growth of AI driven digital infrastructure. Drogheda Energy Park represents a logical next step for our business and a blueprint for future investment opportunities.”