Diversified power strategy combining utilities, on-site generation, and next-gen nuclear to future-proof Netherlands digital economy

Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world’s digital infrastructure company®, announced a landmark collaboration with Amsterdam-based ULC-Energy to explore delivering up to 250 MWe of next-generation nuclear power to data centres in the Netherlands. This agreement is part of a broader Equinix initiative with leading clean energy innovators, including Oklo, Radiant, Stellaria, and Bloom Energy, to develop reliable and sustainable electricity to support the needs of Equinix data centres 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.

As part of this initiative, Equinix has signed a Letter of Intent with ULC-Energy for a power purchase agreement (PPA) of up to 250 MWe to power data centres in the Netherlands. ULC-Energy is a nuclear project developer that in 2022 selected Rolls-Royce SMR as its preferred technology solution for deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Netherlands. Rolls-Royce SMR is developing a 470 MWe light water small modular reactor. In June, the company was selected as the preferred bidder to partner with Great British Energy – Nuclear to deploy the UK’s first SMRs.

According to a report from the International Energy Agency, the world’s electricity consumption is projected to grow 4% annually through 2027, marking the fastest pace in recent years. This surge is driven by a perfect storm of factors: unprecedented electrification, data centre expansion driven by artificial intelligence, and a resurgence in industrial manufacturing. This rising demand can put a strain on utility providers to generate enough power and is already putting pressure on aging electrical grids to distribute it. In the Netherlands, Equinix’s collaboration with ULC-Energy to deploy Rolls-Royce SMR technology, is a critical part of meeting future energy needs sustainably and reliably.

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. 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.

“Our partnership with ULC-Energy marks an important milestone in Equinix’s mission to support sustainable growth in the Netherlands,” said Michiel Eielts, Managing Director for Equinix in the Netherlands. “By securing Rolls-Royce SMR capacity, we’re not only ensuring reliable and clean energy for our data centres but also contributing to a resilient energy future that benefits local communities, supports economic development, and helps reduce the environmental impact of digital infrastructure.”

“SMRs are ideally suited to power increasing demand for data centres” explained Dirk Rabelink, CEO of ULC-Energy. “They can deliver clean baseload electricity safely, reliably and affordably. ULC-Energy has developed a deployment model that leverages the SMR’s capability to address data centre energy requirements whilst also providing a realistic and affordable solution to support the increasing regional grid and energy challenges. The SMR-powered data centre will enable a clean digital solution and will be a strategic regional energy asset benefitting many local stakeholders.”

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 centres and the broader grid. In addition to its collaboration with ULC-Energy to deliver next-generation nuclear power to data centres in the Netherlands, Equinix is also working with other providers around the world:

• Oklo: In 2024, Equinix became the first data centreoperator to sign an agreement with a SMR company. Equinix signed an agreement to procure 500MW of energy from Oklo’s next-generation fission Aurora powerhouses. Oklo’s fast reactors incorporate inherent safety features and can be fueled by nuclear waste.
• Radiant: Equinix announced a preorder agreement for the purchase of 20 of Radiant’s Kaleidos microreactors. Kaleidos offers a reliable, long-lasting energy source that can be transported anywhere it’s needed, installed in days, and deployed safely alongside existing equipment and integrated with on-site transmission infrastructure.
• Stellaria: Equinix announced a pre-order power agreement for 500 MWe to expand data centres across Europe. Stellaria, incubated by Schneider-Electric, and the CEA (French Atomic Energy Agency), offers the very first molten salt Breed & Burn reactor in the world. It will breed 100% of its liquid fissile fuel inside the reactor without refueling, while recycling spent fuels and burning long life waste.
• Advanced fuel cells are another technology that can be used for scalable, efficient and cleaner onsite energy. Equinix has been using fuel cells for more than 10 years in collaboration with Bloom Energy: Equinix has an agreement to expand its deployment of solid-oxide fuel cells to more than 100MW at over 19 data centres in six states to provide onsite power generation. Fuel cells are highly efficient and enable Equinix to avoid 285,000 MTCO2e emissions and 382 billion gallons of embedded water use.

Equinix is committed to being part of the creative and sustainable solutions that help address the world’s growing energy needs. As data centres continue to provide the crucial infrastructure powering AI and the global economy, it is essential to develop and deploy the energy infrastructure required to power them. The company remains committed to sourcing 100% clean and renewable energy across its global portfolio by 2030 and has already achieved 96% renewable energy coverage globally, with 250 sites operating with 100% renewable energy coverage in 2024.

Equinix also designs highly efficient data centres 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 centres across 45 metros around the world.

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