A collaboration strengthens the sustainability of digital infrastructures across Europe
The European edge data center company nLighten has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Shell Spain to supply 100% renewable energy to its Madrid data center. This agreement will enable nLighten to power its facilities using electricity generated from wind and solar sources integrated into Shell’s portfolio.
This milestone marks a significant step in nLighten’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint without relying solely on Guarantees of Origin (GoO) certificates, which are common in the industry. Through this contract, clean energy will be delivered directly to the data center, enhancing traceability and sustainability of the energy supply.
“This supply agreement with Shell is important for building a resilient and future-ready digital infrastructure energy model,” stated Chad McCarthy, CTO and co-founder of nLighten.
Meanwhile, Óscar Fernández, President of Shell Spain, highlighted the strategic value of such partnerships:
“Collaborations between digital infrastructure companies and energy providers enable us to leverage each other’s strengths, scaling sustainable solutions quickly and effectively. By integrating low-carbon sources, we offer tailored energy solutions to meet the growing demands of the sector.”
A Growing European Network
Founded in 2021 and based in Amsterdam, nLighten has established itself as one of the most dynamic operators of edge data centers in Europe. It currently manages 34 installations across the continent and aims to reach 100 operational centers within the next three to four years. The company is backed by the investment fund Squared Capital, which specializes in digital and sustainable infrastructure.
Signing this PPA is part of nLighten’s strategy to lead the transition towards more environmentally friendly digital infrastructure, especially given the rising demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence, and real-time connectivity, where edge data centers play a key role.
A Step Closer to Net Zero Emission Data Centers
The agreement with Shell also reflects a growing industry trend: operators committed to ensuring a sustainable and direct power supply, beyond certified mechanisms. In an environment where energy efficiency and sustainability are competitive advantages, such contracts help guarantee renewable supply and enhance energy resilience against market volatility.
This partnership reinforces Shell’s role as a provider of customized energy solutions for the digital industry, while nLighten solidifies its leadership as a sustainable edge data center operator in Europe.
via: eleconomista