Equinix partners with energy companies to power AI-ready data center growth

Equinix is reportedly working with leading energy companies that are developing innovative approaches to generating reliable and sustainable electricity to support the needs of Equinix data centers worldwide. This is part of Equinix’s diversified portfolio power strategy to help mitigate potential power constraints in the future, by expanding traditional power arrangements with utilities and combining new on-site power generation technologies and exploring next generation nuclear energy. These agreements reflect Equinix’s focus to support the scale, efficiency and resiliency customers need through a comprehensive approach to power.

Equinix is taking a diversified portfolio approach to the global energy challenge by tapping into innovative power technologies and working directly with utilities to strengthen the grid. As of today, Equinix is funding and supporting advanced transmission system upgrades with utility partners, including new substations that will enhance grid reliability and emergency backup solutions that aim to benefit all ratepayers during power interruptions. Equinix is also investing in power solutions such as fuel cells and natural gas that are expected to enhance operations while adding capacity resources to the grids where it operates. Looking ahead, the company is supporting the development of advanced nuclear technologies that can deliver reliable, clean power in the future.

“Access to round-the-clock electricity is critical to support the infrastructure that powers everything from AI-driven drug discovery to cloud-based video streaming,” said Raouf Abdel, Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Equinix. “As energy demand increases, we believe we have an opportunity and responsibility to support the development of reliable, sustainable, scalable energy infrastructure that can support our collective future. By working with our energy partners, we believe we can support the energy needs of our customers and communities around the world by helping to strengthen the grid and investing in new energy sources.”

Next generation nuclear technologies can offer a pathway to faster nuclear deployments due to their simplified design and robust safety features. Equinix sees safe, efficient and reliable nuclear energy as a promising solution to help power both data centers and the broader grid. The company is working with Oklo, Radiant, and Stellaria. Equinix has also signed a Letter of Intent with Amsterdam-based ULC-Energy for a PPA up to 250 MWe to power data centers in the Netherlands.

 “The potential challenges to powering reliable and sustainable digital infrastructure are considerable,” said Ali Ruckteschler, Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer at Equinix. “However, Equinix has always been at the forefront of energy innovation, signing the data center industry’s first agreement with a SMR provider and pioneering the use of fuel cells a decade ago. Powering AI infrastructure responsibly is a global priority. With Equinix’s operational expertise, trusted supply chain, and close partnerships with the U.S. and global governments and utilities, we are poised to deliver safe, secure and reliable AI solutions for our customers and the communities we serve.”

Equinix also designs highly efficient data centers aimed at optimising energy use. Since 2022, the company has phased in the adoption of industry best practice ASHRAE A1 Allowable (A1A) standards at new sites worldwide. This enables the flexibility of wider operating temperature ranges, which can optimise energy used for cooling without compromising performance. In 2023, Equinix announced plans to expand support for highly efficient advanced liquid cooling technologies—like direct-to-chip—to over 100 data centers across 45 metros around the world.