nLighten Partners with Shell Spain to Power Data Center with Renewable Energy
nLighten has recently announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Shell Spain, marking the beginning of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and supply deal starting from April 1, 2025. This strategic partnership will see nLighten’s Madrid edge data center being powered by Shell’s extensive solar and wind portfolio in Spain, with a focus on solar energy generation. What sets this agreement apart is its commitment to transparency, providing nLighten with direct access to real-time renewable energy supply instead of relying solely on financial credits like Guarantees of Origin (GoOs).
Driving Sustainability and Performance
By leveraging Shell’s renewable capacity, nLighten aims to enhance its Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) score while ensuring operational flexibility based on actual supply and demand dynamics. Shell will manage energy supply during periods of low renewable generation to guarantee uninterrupted data center operations, effectively showcasing a balance between energy reliability and sustainability. Chad McCarthy, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of nLighten, emphasized the significance of this partnership in revolutionizing the renewable energy landscape for data centers, underscoring the link between sustainability and business success.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Besides the environmental advantages, this collaboration underscores the economic value of integrating renewable energy into data center operations. As energy markets evolve, nLighten’s commitment to incorporating renewables not only aligns with sustainability goals but also positions the company as a cost-efficient industry leader. Óscar Fernández, Shell Spain Country Chair, highlighted the importance of integrating lower-carbon sources into the grid to meet the increasing energy demands of data centers. Strategic partnerships between digital infrastructure firms and energy providers enable the rapid deployment of sustainable energy solutions, ensuring a reliable energy supply for the future.
Leading the Transition to Clean Energy
nLighten’s collaboration with Shell represents a significant milestone in redefining the energy model for European data centers. By forging partnerships with key industry players like Shell, nLighten is driving the sector’s ongoing shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy framework. This partnership exemplifies the industry’s dedication to embracing renewable energy sources and establishing a resilient energy model for the digital infrastructure sector.
