Brazilian data center developer OData has strengthened its sustainability efforts in Latin America with a significant Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Atlas Renewable Energy. This deal ensures 100% renewable energy for OData’s operations in Chile, specifically powering its ST01 data center.
OData’s Commitment to Renewable Energy in Chile
In December 2024, OData finalized the PPA with Atlas Renewable Energy, a leader in the renewable energy sector. The energy provided will come from Atlas’s extensive solar energy and storage portfolio in Chile, which totals 1.5GW. The PPA guarantees that OData’s ST01 data center will be powered entirely by renewable sources, in line with Chile’s regulations and sustainability standards.
Atlas Renewable Energy’s Solar Power Portfolio in Chile
Atlas operates three large-scale solar projects across Chile, which include:
- Javiera (Atacama region): Produces 161GWh annually
- Quilapilún (Santiago metropolitan region): Produces 243GWh annually
- Sol del Desierto (Antofagasta region): Produces 714GWh annually
These projects are key to meeting the energy needs of OData’s data center operations, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply.
OData’s Data Center ST01: A Key Player in Chile’s Market
The 28MW ST01 data center spans 60,000 sqm (645,834 sq ft), making it one of the largest facilities in Chile. With this PPA, Atlas will meet 100% of the ST01 complex’s energy consumption needs, aligning with OData’s goal to operate entirely on renewable energy within the Chilean market.
Additionally, OData operates the 40MW ST02 data center, which opened in November 2023 outside Santiago. Both data centers are crucial for supporting the growing technology and AI sectors in Chile, making the country an attractive hub for data center development.
OData’s Strategy for Sustainable Data Center Growth in Latin America
The partnership with Atlas is part of OData’s broader sustainability strategy. The company has signed several PPAs across Latin America to secure renewable energy sources for its data centers. In October 2024, OData also signed a long-term agreement with Casa dos Ventos for energy from the Babilônia Sul wind complex in Bahia, Brazil.
As OData continues to expand in Latin America, including an ongoing wind energy supply agreement with Serena Energia’s Assuruá wind farm in Bahia, Brazil, the company is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable data center infrastructure.
Why Chile is a Strategic Location for Data Centers
Chile’s geographic location and political stability make it an ideal environment for data center development. With a growing demand for data storage driven by AI advancements, the country is poised to become a major technology hub. OData’s focus on sustainability in this region aligns with its commitment to leveraging renewable energy for data center operations, ensuring minimal environmental impact while supporting the burgeoning tech industry.
FAQ Section
1. What is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?
A PPA is a contract between an energy producer and a consumer where the consumer agrees to purchase electricity at a fixed rate over a specified period. This provides long-term energy security for businesses while supporting the use of renewable energy sources.
2. How does the PPA benefit OData’s data centers?
The PPA ensures that OData’s ST01 data center operates entirely on renewable energy, helping the company meet its sustainability goals while reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. This supports OData’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility.
3. What makes Chile an attractive location for data centers?
Chile offers a combination of geographic advantages, political stability, and growing demand in the technology sector, particularly around AI. These factors, combined with renewable energy availability, make it a strategic choice for data center development.
4. How many solar energy projects does Atlas operate in Chile?
Atlas Renewable Energy operates three large-scale solar projects in Chile, contributing significantly to the country’s renewable energy capacity. These projects include Javiera, Quilapilún, and Sol del Desierto.
5. What other PPAs has OData signed recently?
OData has signed several PPAs across Latin America, including agreements with Casa dos Ventos and Serena Energia for wind energy from Brazil’s Babilônia Sul and Assuruá wind farms. These agreements are part of the company’s broader strategy to ensure sustainable energy for its data centers.
