Equinix Diversifies Power Strategy with Next-Generation Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cells

As the world's electricity consumption is projected to grow 4% annually through 2027, driven by a perfect storm of unprecedented electrification, data center expansion, and industrial manufacturing, Equinix is taking a diversified portfolio approach to the global energy challenge. The company is working with leading energy companies to develop innovative approaches to generating reliable and sustainable electricity to support the needs of Equinix data centers worldwide. This includes tapping into next-generation nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), and fuel cells, which are expected to enhance operations while adding capacity resources to the grids where it operates.

Key Takeaways:

• Equinix is working with Oklo, Radiant, ULC-Energy with Rolls-Royce SMR, and Stellaria to develop and deploy next-generation nuclear energy technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and molten salt breed & burn reactors.
• The company has signed agreements to procure energy from these companies, with a total capacity of over 2.3 GW, to power its data centers worldwide.
• Equinix has been using fuel cells for over 10 years, with an agreement to expand its deployment of solid-oxide fuel cells to over 100MW at 19 data centers in six states.
• Fuel cells are expected to avoid 285,000 MTCO2e emissions and 382 billion gallons of embedded water use.
• Equinix is committed to sourcing 100% clean and renewable energy across its global portfolio by 2030, with a current 96% renewable energy coverage globally, and 250 sites operating with 100% renewable energy coverage in 2024.
• The company designs highly efficient data centers aimed at optimizing energy use, with the adoption of industry best practice ASHRAE A1 Allowable (A1A) standards.

Statistics:

• The world's electricity consumption is projected to grow 4% annually through 2027.
• Equinix has a total capacity of over 2.3 GW from next-generation nuclear energy technologies.
• The company expects to avoid 285,000 MTCO2e emissions and 382 billion gallons of embedded water use from its fuel cell deployments.
• Equinix has already achieved 96% renewable energy coverage globally, with 250 sites operating with 100% renewable energy coverage in 2024.
• The company's goal is to source 100% clean and renewable energy across its global portfolio by 2030.

Sources:

• Equinix, Inc. press release announcing the partnership with Oklo, Radiant, ULC-Energy with Rolls-Royce SMR, and Stellaria.
• International Energy Agency report on global electricity consumption.
• Gulfoilandgas.com article on Equinix's diversified power strategy.