Equinix, Inc (NASDAQ:EQIX) the global data and interconnection center company, reported that it finalized a power purchase agreement for 105 MWAC of new solar power with Sunedison Inc (NYSE:SUNE), the largest universal renewable energy development entity.
This purchase will include all of Equinix’s data centers in California, including eleven facilities based in the Silicon Valley metro areas and Los Angeles, as well as its Redwood City global headquarters. Following the deal, Equinix’s data center market will increase deployment of clean, renewable sources to 43% from 30% globally.
The highlights
The project is termed as the “Mount Signal Solar II” project and it will be based in the territory of San Diego Gas and Electric near Calexico, and north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The establishment of the ‘150-MWAC’ solar-farm is expected to commence in 2015 and begin commercial business in the second half of next year.
Sunedison Inc (NYSE:SUNE) reported that the Mount Signal Solar II project is projected to generate 300,000 MWh annually to offset its counter-part electrical usage. The project will lower Equinix’s carbon footprint by more than 180 million lbs of CO2 yearly, the equivalent of removing 18,000 passenger cars from U.S. roads annually.
The future ahead
Equinix will obtain Green-e certified certificates from SunEdison to bridge the nearly twelve months from contract implementation to project completion. Earlier in 2015, Equinix reported its commitment to 100% renewable and clean energy for its worldwide footprint of 105 data centers situated in 33 markets. Paul Gaynor, the Executive VP, SunEdison EMEA and Americas said that this project is another demonstration of company’s ability to supply cost effective clean and renewable energy.
