European Edge data center firm nLighten has signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Shell Spain to power its MAD1 Edge data center in Madrid. The companies claim that the PPA goes beyond traditional supply contracts by providing nLighten with transparency on what renewable assets are powering the data center at a given time, rather than simply providing guarantees of origin.

"This agreement is a game-changer for how data centers in Spain – and beyond – can be powered by renewables," said Chad McCarthy, chief technology officer and co-founder of nLighten.

"By integrating lower-carbon sources into the grid, providing flexibility options, and offering tailored energy solutions, we can support the growing demands of data centers. Strategic collaborations between digital infrastructure companies and energy suppliers allows to leverage each other's strengths, helping scale solutions quickly and effectively to ensure a sustainable energy supply," said Óscar Fernández, Shell Spain country chair.