- nLighten secures direct renewable energy supply from Shell Spain’s solar and wind portfolio for its Madrid data centre.
- Agreement supports both environmental sustainability and operational flexibility, enhancing energy reliability and business performance.
What Happened: Direct renewable energy supply for nLighten’s data centre
nLighten, a key player in the data centre industry, has entered into a transformative Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Shell Spain, effective from 1 April 2025. This partnership will power nLighten’s edge data centre in Madrid using Shell’s renewable energy, sourced primarily from solar and wind projects in Spain. The move marks a significant shift in how data centres can integrate renewables into their energy mix, prioritising sustainability without compromising performance.
Unlike traditional renewable energy contracts, the agreement offers nLighten full transparency into its energy supply, avoiding reliance on financial credits such as Guarantees of Origin (GoOs). Shell will ensure that the data centre’s energy needs are met by renewable capacity, providing real-time flexibility based on demand. If renewable generation dips, Shell will step in to supply additional energy, ensuring the data centre remains operational without disruptions.
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Why It’s Important
This deal is not just a victory for the environment but also a game-changer for the future of data centre operations. By securing a direct supply of solar and wind energy, nLighten is setting a new standard for sustainable digital infrastructure. The company’s efforts to optimise its Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) score reflect a broader trend within the industry, where sustainability goals are closely linked with business performance.
Chad McCarthy, CTO and Co-Founder of nLighten, hailed the partnership as a pivotal step in creating a resilient and scalable energy model for the digital economy. Meanwhile, Óscar Fernández, Shell Spain’s Country Chair, emphasised the role of strategic collaborations between energy providers and digital infrastructure companies in ensuring a low-carbon future.
