Equinix powers Italian data centers with 53 MW solar deal

• Equinix has secured 53 MW of solar power through a 10-year agreement with Neoen to support its Italian data centers.
• The deal aligns with Equinix’s sustainability goals and Italy’s decarbonization strategy, contributing to cleaner energy use in its operations.

What happened

Equinix has signed a 10-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Neoen, a renewable energy company, to secure 53 MW of solar power for its data centers in Milan and Genoa, Italy. This deal marks a key step in Equinix’s global push for 100% renewable energy by 2030. The partnership will enable the company to power its operations with clean, sustainable energy, supporting both its facilities and local decarbonization goals.

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Why it is important

Equinix’s 53 MW solar deal with Neoen reflects a growing trend in the tech and data center sectors toward adopting sustainable practices. The industry’s massive energy consumption makes it a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, which has led companies to prioritize renewable energy solutions. While large firms like Equinix can more easily secure long-term clean energy contracts, smaller businesses often face challenges, such as higher costs and limited access to renewable energy sources.

For instance, smaller data centers or tech startups might struggle with upfront infrastructure investments in renewable energy, leaving them reliant on traditional, less sustainable energy sources. However, as more large corporations lead the way with these agreements, it may drive down costs and improve access to renewable energy for smaller players. Additionally, these initiatives contribute to global decarbonization efforts, providing long-term environmental benefits that can inspire industry-wide change.

This development is a positive step, as it can encourage smaller companies to explore sustainable energy options, while also highlighting the urgent need for wider, more affordable access to clean power across all sectors.