Equinix seals new solar energy deal with Sembcorp Power

Equinix has announced a new renewable energy power purchase agreement (PPA) with Sembcorp Power to supply additional solar energy in Singapore.

The agreement involves the generation of 58.5 megawatt peak (MWp) of solar energy from Jurong Island's JTC properties starting in 2029, which will contribute significantly towards Equinix's data centre operations in Singapore. According to the company, this initiative will result in energy sufficient to power over 17,200 four-room HDB flats annually, while reducing carbon emissions by over 30,275 tons each year.

This is the second renewable energy PPA Equinix has signed in Singapore with Sembcorp Power, a move aligned with Singapore's broader agenda as outlined in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. The plan seeks to transform Jurong Island into a sustainable energy and chemicals park, supporting the country's shift to a greener economy.

Yee May Leong, Managing Director for Singapore at Equinix, commented on the strategic importance of this development. "Data centres serve as the foundation of the digital economy, yet the increasing energy demands of AI are impacting national power constraints and emissions targets. Equinix is actively addressing these challenges by implementing efficiency best practices and energy procurement strategies that align with our environmental commitments. We are thrilled to announce our second PPA in Singapore, showcasing our continued dedication to supporting our customers in their pursuit of business growth and sustainability objectives."

On the partnership with Equinix, Vickrem Vijayan, Head of Energy Commercial at Sembcorp, said, "We are pleased to deepen our ongoing partnership with Equinix, supporting them in advancing their sustainability goals and helping to shape a more sustainable digital economy. We look forward to future collaborations that will drive the energy transition and support Singapore's 2030 Green Plan."

This solar deployment on Jurong Island will utilise 60 hectares of vacant land and the rooftops of five JTC buildings, including the Jurong Rock Caverns above-ground facilities and Jurong Island Checkpoint.

In addition to the recent PPA, Equinix signed its first long-term renewable energy agreement in Singapore with Sembcorp Industries in April 2024, targeting the procurement of 75 MWp of solar energy starting from January 2027.

Globally, Equinix has been actively working on similar initiatives, having executed 25 PPAs around the world since 2015. This includes agreements in Australia, India, and Singapore in 2024, which are collectively expected to contribute approximately 3,250,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually once operational.

Equinix achieved 96% renewables coverage across its global operations in 2023, with complete renewable energy coverage in select Asia-Pacific markets including China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, and Singapore.