Summary:
- Equinix signs pre-order agreement with French start-up Stellaria for electricity from its first commercial molten salt reactor, ‘Stellarium,’ planned for deployment in 2035.
- Equinix diversifies its energy mix with advanced nuclear power to support AI-ready, high-density data centers, aiming for firm, low-carbon power.
- Stellaria’s compact molten salt reactor design aims to generate continuous power, reduce nuclear waste, and provide an alternative to traditional power purchase agreements.
Equinix is making a strategic move towards the future of digital infrastructure by partnering with French start-up Stellaria to access electricity from its innovative molten salt reactor, known as ‘Stellarium.’ This compact reactor, set to be deployed in 2035, offers Equinix a long-term solution for securing firm, low-carbon power for its AI-driven data centers. By diversifying its energy mix to include advanced nuclear power, Equinix is positioning itself to meet the increasing power demands and resiliency requirements of its data centers.
Stellaria, a spin-out from the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, offers a unique reactor design that can operate on various nuclear fuels, including those capable of reducing long-lived waste. This partnership signifies a shift towards unconventional energy partnerships in the digital infrastructure sector, where operators are exploring innovative solutions beyond traditional power purchase agreements and grid-based renewables. While the commercialization of molten salt reactors presents technical challenges, the Equinix-Stellaria agreement signals a significant step towards a future where AI-era data centers are powered by cutting-edge, sustainable technologies.
