Case Study: Cork Internet eXchange boosts reliability and earns revenue with Enel X demand response

Irish Data Centre Earns Money and Ensures System Reliability by Reducing Grid Demand

Cork Internet eXchange (CIX), a data centre in Ireland, faced the challenge of high and growing energy costs while being fundamentally paranoid about any risk to its system reliability. The vendor, Enel X, presented an opportunity to offset these costs through its demand response program, but CIX was initially concerned that participating could threaten its critical uptime.

Enel X assured CIX that its demand response service posed no threat to uptime, as there was no penalty for non-participation. The solution provided advanced notice of grid strain, allowing CIX to safely switch to its on-site generators for a live test, which actually enhanced its operational resilience. Through this program with Enel X, CIX earns over €10,000 annually in capacity payments, offsetting 3.3% of its total energy spend.

Cork Internet eXchange

Jerry Sweeney

Founder and Managing Director