Digital Realty Reaches 100% Clean Energy Milestone in Illinois; Signs Community Solar Agreement

CHICAGO, Illinois – December 18, 2024 – Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the leading global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions, will see its portfolio of 11 data centers in Illinois matched with 100% clean and renewable energy beginning in 2025.

Strengthening the positive local impact of this achievement, Digital Realty recently signed a community solar agreement in Illinois for a share of three separate local solar projects with an expected total installed capacity of 19.8 MWdc, located in Will County and Livingston County. The initiative underscores Digital Realty's commitments to sourcing renewable power, making significant strides towards its sustainability goals, and giving back to local communities.

"We're thrilled to invest in Illinois' clean energy future," said Aaron Binkley, Vice President of Sustainability at Digital Realty. "This community solar agreement reflects our dedication to supporting local economies and communities and advancing access to renewable energy. It's a win-win, and we're eager to build on this momentum."

Digital Realty is one of the first major, global data center operators to join the Illinois Shines community solar program. The community solar agreement has Digital Realty taking an aggregate 26% share of total installed solar capacity and will support the ability for these projects to deliver energy and savings benefits to other local community solar subscribers. The projects will support the creation of approximately 150 local jobs*, bolstering the regional economy and uplifting the local community.

The Illinois Shines Program, implemented by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), is a state-administered solar incentive program created to support the development of solar energy in Illinois. Designed to make solar energy more affordable to people across Illinois, the program supports the State’s targets to have 40% of its energy come from renewable energy sources such as solar by 2030, 50% by 2040, and 100% clean energy by 2050.

In addition to the community solar agreement, Digital Realty’s clean energy portfolio supporting its Illinois data centers includes power purchase agreements with utility-scale wind projects located in Illinois, retail supply agreements, and emission-free energy from nuclear power.

Digital Realty was recently recognized as one of the top corporate solar adopters by the Solar Energy Industries Association, further underscoring its commitment to sourcing high-quality renewable energy. With over 150 data centers in its global portfolio matched with 100% renewable electricity and more than 1.5 GW of contracted solar and wind capacity—enough to power a small to medium-sized city—Digital Realty continues to demonstrate its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and powering a greener future.