Equinix has signed a deal to procure renewable energy in France.
The colocation firm this week signed 20-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with renewable energy developer wpd.
The deal, described as one of the largest of its kind signed in France, was facilitated by Schneider Electric and includes four wind projects in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, two in Hauts-de-France, and one wind farm in Pays de la Loire. The deal totals more than 100MW of capacity.
“We are proud to sign one of the biggest Power Purchase Agreements in French history, marking a significant milestone in France and underscoring Equinix's global dedication to investing in renewable energy solutions,” said Régis Castagné, managing director, Equinix France.
“Through aligning with France's own renewable energy production goals, we're delighted to be positively and proactively contributing to the nation's decarbonization and renewable investments. Equinix is committed to making responsible business decisions that will support our customers on their sustainable journeys and the signing of this deal with wpd helps us make a big leap forward on our own path to becoming climate neutral by 2030.”
Equinix said the contracts will come into force in 2025 at the latest. This is the colo firm’s 20th PPA globally, totaling more than 900MW of capacity across the US, France, Finland, Spain, Portugal, and Sweden.
Founded in 1996, the company develops, finances, constructs, and operates wind farms and solar parks in 29 countries. Its portfolio totals almost 2.9GW, with a project pipeline totaling 15.775GW of onshore wind and 3.2GW of solar energy.
Grégoire Simon, president of wpd France, said: “Since 2013 wpd has continuously demonstrated its ability to support private companies in their decarbonization process. PPAs help to strengthen the competitiveness of the French market and support the country's reindustrialization, by offering economically viable energy solutions to companies willing to engage in the energy transition. We are accordingly delighted about the cooperation with Equinix in the PPAs now concluded for wind power projects at seven locations in France.”
John Powers, vice president, Global Cleantech and Renewables, Schneider Electric, added: “We’re proud to be helping decarbonize the grid and facilitating an important milestone in the development of renewable energy distribution in France. Deals of this value in France are rare and Equinix’s long-term commitment to power purchase agreements in seven locations demonstrates its belief that the expansion of innovative digital infrastructure must go hand in hand with reducing our impact on the planet.”
