Switch says all data centers, clients on green power
CARSON CITY — The data storage company Switch has announced that as of Jan. 1, all of its SUPERNAP data centers and its more than 1,000 clients who are co-located at their facilities were powered by 100 percent renewable energy.
This makes Switch the world's largest co-location data center environment to adopt all inclusive green technology. Co-location data centers offer their services to multiple clients.
Unlike other data center providers who only purchase renewable energy credits — sometimes from several states away in a process that many believe leans toward 'greenwashing' — Switch said it will be producing the renewable energy it needs to run its SUPERNAP data centers through new solar facilities operating in Nevada.
During construction of its new 180-megawatts of solar generation projects called Switch Station 1 and Switch Station 2, Switch has partnered with local utility NV Energy to utilize renewable energy from existing facilities in the state.
Construction of the solar projects will be completed by First Solar in partnership with NV Energy and Switch before the end of 2016.
In an effort to further cement its commitment to implementing renewable energy use, Switch worked closely with NV Energy and the Nevada Public Utilities Commission to develop the NV Green Energy Rider tariff for Southern Nevada. The tariff utilizes NV Energy's vast network of renewable generation resources including geo-thermal, wind, hydro and solar combined with Switch Station 1 and Switch Station 2 to deliver 100 percent green energy services to the company 24 hours a day.
"Switch has set a new standard for using renewable resources to power their growing business," said NV Energy President and CEO, Paul Caudill. "We all are proud to partner with Switch to help it become the first Southern Nevada customer to be supplied by 100 percent renewable energy."
Switch Founder and CEO Rob Roy said he started the company 16 years ago with a commitment to sustainably running the Internet.
Founded in 2000, Switch says its patented data centers are globally recognized for their revolutionary high-density design, superscale cloud campus, unparalleled telecommunications services and industry-leading sustainability.
The SUPERNAP facilities are located at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County and in Las Vegas.
Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801
