How nLighten Secured Hydropower Deal for German Data Centres

nLighten has signed a new energy supply agreement with Uniper, bringing round-the-clock renewable electricity to its entire network of data centres in Germany. 

The deal centres on baseload hydropower – a type of renewable energy that supplies consistent output regardless of weather or time of day. 

This agreement supports nLighten’s strategy of sourcing traceable green electricity and benefits clients seeking energy transparency.

Francesco Marasco, Vice President of Energy Operations & Sustainability at nLighten, says: “This partnership is an important step for our activities in Germany.

“The baseload hydropower component offers security and transparency that are of great value particularly in the German market.

“Even during periods of low renewable feed-in from weather-dependent sources, we maintain a constant base of carbon-free energy. 

“This agreement demonstrates our commitment to making the transition: away from traditional approaches based on annual certificates toward hourly traceable renewable energy procurement.”

Verified renewable power with hourly tracking

The Uniper deal introduces baseload hydropower across nLighten’s German sites. Unlike wind or solar, which depend on weather, hydropower provides uninterrupted supply. 

This ensures nLighten’s facilities stay powered by carbon-free electricity, even when the grid runs on fossil fuels.

Uniper’s 24/7 offering delivers both standard supply and guaranteed carbon-free hydropower. 

The electricity is TÜV Süd certified – an independent verification standard – and measurable hourly. Instead of using annual guarantees of origin, nLighten can now match actual power use with specific renewable output.

Andreas Gemballa, Chief Commercial Officer at Uniper Energy Sales, says: “We are proud to contribute to nLighten’s sustainability goals through this innovative supply agreement. 

“As one of Germany’s leading energy providers, we understand the evolving requirements of the data centre industry. Transparent and reliable renewable energy solutions are in demand. 

“Through the combination of flexible electricity procurement, guaranteed baseload hydropower and hourly traceability, our 24/7 solution offers the reliability and security that are essential for modern digital infrastructures. 

“I am convinced that this is the beginning of a strong and mutually beneficial partnership. The agreement also shows how progressive energy providers like Uniper can work with forward-looking data centre operators to help them comply with energy efficiency regulations and advance the energy transition.”

The contract structure also allows nLighten to introduce additional sources such as wind or solar over time. Uniper serves as the balancing partner, managing this evolving energy mix.

Part of a wider European model

This agreement in Germany is part of nLighten’s broader European energy strategy. The company also holds renewable energy partnerships in the United Kingdom with Conrad Energy, in Spain with Shell and in France with Axpo. 

Each partnership adapts to local market conditions while following one principle – replacing annual certificate-based claims with real-time, verifiable renewable energy.

nLighten’s model emphasises market-specific sourcing. Whether through hydropower in Germany or wind in other regions, all supply is traceable to the hour. This shifts energy procurement away from retrospective green claims and towards measurable, accountable use.

By adopting this model across its European operations, nLighten sets a new benchmark in data centre energy management. 

Clients benefit from clear proof of how and when their infrastructure is powered, helping align operational energy use with sustainability goals.

Supporting carbon reporting and compliance

The agreement provides practical value for businesses looking to reduce emissions. Annual guarantees of origin, the data centre industry standard, allow operators to claim 100% renewable energy even during periods when power comes from fossil fuels. With Uniper’s 24/7 model, nLighten closes this gap, delivering hourly verified carbon-free electricity.

This is particularly relevant for Scope 3 emissions – indirect emissions linked to outsourced infrastructure. With stricter reporting rules emerging across Europe, companies need reliable data to back up sustainability claims. TÜV Süd certification adds a layer of assurance for audits and reporting.

Instead of relying on broad claims, customers can now demonstrate their infrastructure is consistently supported by renewable electricity, verified in real time. This gives them a clear basis for meeting regulatory expectations and strengthening their environmental credentials.

For data centre customers with sustainability objectives, nLighten offers a supply model that meets both technical and compliance needs.