Why Data4 Has Secured Nuclear Power Deal with EDF in France

Data4 has signed a 12-year Nuclear Production Allocation Contract with EDF, becoming the first data centre operator in France to secure direct access to nuclear generation. 

The deal allocates 40MW of capacity from EDF’s reactor fleet, with deliveries starting in 2026.

Under the contract, Data4 will receive approximately 230 GWh of nuclear electricity annually, with pricing tied to reactor performance rather than market rates. The arrangement operates through a cost and risk-sharing mechanism based on actual volumes produced.

The agreement bypasses traditional electricity markets. Data4 gets a fixed share of nuclear production while EDF secures long-term revenue from its reactors.

“We are extremely proud to sign this first low-carbon CAPN with EDF, a long-standing partner and a key player in France’s energy transition,” says François Stérin, Chief Operating Officer of Data4. “This contract is not only a strong environmental commitment; it is also a cornerstone of our growth and competitiveness strategy.”

Data4 nuclear contract complements existing renewable energy deals

The nuclear allocation forms part of Data4’s broader energy strategy, which already includes power purchase agreements for wind and solar energy. This creates a portfolio that combines variable renewable generation with nuclear baseload power, providing the continuous supply that data centres require to maintain server operations and meet customer service agreements.

Data4 operates 22 data centres across Europe, with French sites in Paris, Lyon and Marcoussis alongside facilities in Italy, Spain, Poland, Germany and Greece. The company announced a €15 billion investment into France by 2030 and plans to increase its workforce by 66% in 2025, following 30% growth in 2024, as part of its strategy to position France as an AI hub.

The nuclear contract provides long-term cost visibility during this expansion programme, while the reliable baseload power addresses the operational requirements of facilities that cannot tolerate power interruptions.

EDF nuclear deal provides industrial revenue stream

EDF generates approximately 70% of French electricity through its nuclear fleet, making the Data4 contract significant as its first nuclear production allocation agreement with a data centre operator. The utility has positioned the arrangement as a template for similar deals with other industrial customers seeking large-scale, continuous power supply.

Data centres represent attractive customers for nuclear operators because they maintain steady consumption regardless of economic conditions. French grid operator RTE has identified data centres as a source of electricity demand growth, particularly around Paris where multiple operators concentrate their facilities.

Marc Benayoun, EDF Group Executive Director in charge of the Customers, Services and Territories Division, states: “EDF is pleased to sign a nuclear production allocation contract with Data4, a European data centre operator. This partnership will enable Data4 to benefit from a low-carbon, competitive and available electricity supply, which is a key asset for digital players.”

Nuclear Production Allocation Contracts differ from standard power purchase agreements by linking customers directly to nuclear generation rather than electricity markets, supporting the French government’s digital sovereignty strategy while providing industrial users with access to low-carbon power. The agreement aligns with Data4’s €15 billion French investment programme and its stated plans to make France an AI hub.

François Stérin adds: “Combined with renewable energy purchase agreements, it guarantees reliable, resilient, and continuous access to low-carbon energy at a controlled long-term cost: a considerable advantage for our clients and the development of our infrastructure.”

While EDF has not announced plans to offer similar nuclear production allocation contracts to other data centre operators, the contract model provides a new approach for industrial customers seeking direct access to nuclear generation rather than purchasing electricity through traditional utility relationships.

Marc concludes: “This initiative is fully aligned with EDF’s commitment to supporting the development of data centres in France and contributing to the country’s energy and industrial sovereignty.”