Uniper and nLighten Establish Time-Coordinated Renewable Energy Supply for Carbon-Free Data Center Operations in Germany

Uniper and nLighten Establish Time-Coordinated Renewable Energy Supply for Carbon-Free Data Center Operations in Germany

(IN BRIEF) Uniper has entered into a renewable electricity supply agreement with nLighten to power all of the company’s German data centers with carbon-free energy available 24/7. The contract combines standard electricity with a guaranteed hydropower baseload and offers hourly verified guarantees of origin certified by TÜV Süd. The flexible structure allows for the future integration of additional renewable sources and supports transparent Scope 3 reporting, regulatory compliance, and the decarbonisation of digital infrastructure. 

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 27-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Uniper SE has signed a new electricity supply agreement with nLighten to provide renewable power to all of nLighten’s data center locations in Germany, strengthening the use of transparent, time-coordinated energy solutions in the fast-growing digital infrastructure sector. The contract delivers a continuous 24/7 supply of carbon-free electricity, combining standard power with a guaranteed baseload of hydropower verified on an hourly basis.

Under the agreement, Uniper will act as the balancing party for nLighten’s German portfolio, supplying certified renewable electricity supported by guarantees of origin that are verified hour by hour by an independent body, TÜV Süd. This approach goes beyond traditional annual certificate-based models, allowing nLighten to match electricity consumption with actual renewable generation in real time.

The contract structure provides flexibility to integrate additional renewable energy sources as demand grows across nLighten’s German data centers. Hydropower currently forms the baseload component, ensuring supply security even during periods when variable renewable sources such as wind or solar generation are limited. As nLighten expands, further renewable sources can be incorporated seamlessly within the same supply framework.

The agreement represents a significant step in nLighten’s German operations and aligns with its broader strategy of establishing transparent, auditable renewable energy partnerships across Europe. Hourly traceability enables nLighten and its customers to demonstrate that digital infrastructure is powered by verified carbon-free electricity at all times, supporting robust Scope 3 emissions reporting and compliance with increasingly stringent European regulatory requirements.

For customers relying on digital services, the ability to document energy consumption with hourly precision addresses a growing gap in sustainability reporting. While annual renewable certificates may indicate a 100 percent renewable supply on paper, electricity consumption during peak periods can still rely on carbon-intensive sources. The 24/7 solution implemented through this partnership closes that gap by linking consumption directly to verified renewable generation.

By combining flexible power supply, guaranteed hydropower baseload, and hourly verification, the collaboration between Uniper and nLighten supports the evolution of low-carbon digital infrastructure and contributes to the wider energy transition in Germany.

Media Contact:

Charlotte Rockenbauer
Spokesperson/ Commcerial Communication
charlotte.Rockenbauer@uniper.energy

SOURCE: Uniper