Under the terms of the agreement, Digital Realty has secured Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) for 6000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of hydropower – originating from the river Main – to start and run throughout 2024. Digital Realty has strategically chosen to purchase GoOs from hydropower plants located in very close proximity to its data centers in Frankfurt, ensuring a direct positive impact on the local environment.
In Germany, and Europe more broadly, Digital Realty’s portfolio is powered by 100% renewable energy. This new agreement with Süwag represents a complementary addition to the company’s renewable energy portfolio, supporting its local and global sustainability goals.
“We’re delighted to announce the inclusion of 6000 MWh of hydropower in our renewable energy portfolio. The new project with Süwag not only reinforces our commitment to sustainability but also underscores how having a robust local partner in place is instrumental in achieving our local sustainability goals,” said Volker Ludwig, Managing Director, Digital Realty in Germany.
Ludwig continued: “This strategic deal represents a significant step forward in our global renewable energy strategy and exemplifies our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment.”
Mario Beck, Managing Director Sales at Süwag Energie AG said: “The Süwag Group is investing in increasing the efficiency and performance of its hydropower plants and is planning to further expand renewable energy plants, such as wind power and photovoltaics, in the region. These projects will result in interesting options for our customers to purchase sustainable and regionally generated green electricity via direct supply contracts.”
The Griesheim and Eddersheim plants, located close to Digital Realty’s Digital Park Hattersheim data center campus, reinforces the company’s dedication to sourcing clean energy locally. Earlier this year in January, Digital Realty signed a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Engie for a 116 MW share of a new 154 MW ground mounted solar project. The company’s offtake commitment, estimated at 120 gigawatt-hours per year, supported the construction of a new solar park located in Brandenburg, which is now in operation.
With more than 120 data centers across its global portfolio now matched with 100% renewable electricity, Digital Realty continues to be an industry leader in sustainable data center solutions. Last year, the company surpassed a major renewable energy milestone, surpassing 1 gigawatt of renewables under contract, bringing it closer to its global goal of reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions (direct and indirect company emissions) by 68% and Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions in our value chain) by 24% by 2030.
