As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and expand its influence across industries, the infrastructure supporting it also needs to grow. Data centers are at the heart of this digital transformation, but their substantial energy consumption poses significant challenges. To address this, the industry is increasingly focusing on innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability. One of the advancements in this area is 24/7 matching of renewable energy, which Digital Realty in partnership with Vattenfall is now applying in Sweden. 

What is 24/7 Matching?

The 24/7 matching model goes beyond traditional energy procurement methods, such as relying on guarantees of origin, which only ensures a net balance of renewable energy over time. Instead, 24/7 matching actively tracks and synchronizes energy consumption with renewable energy production hour by hour. This ensures that data centers operate on real-time renewable energy sources - whether it’s wind, solar, or hydropower. By doing so, data centers can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and drive demand for more renewable energy production globally. 

Digital Realty’s Pioneering Role

Digital Realty is the first global data center operator of its size and scale to join this pioneering program. By aligning energy consumption with renewable energy production, this initiative highlights the data center industry's role as a driving force in the broader transition to renewable energy. The energy generated from renewable sources is measured on an hourly basis, and Digital Realty's data center consumption is recorded using smart meters to enable hourly matching of renewable energy at Digital Realty’s six data centers in Stockholm. The program also provides Digital Realty with greater control by allowing the company to select specific renewable energy sources, which are then matched hourly by Vattenfall. 

“We are very happy to support Digital Realty in reaching their ambitious sustainability goals and the work towards fossil freedom. 24/7 matching really shows how new digital solutions and technology can be used to provide total transparency. 24/7 matching gives us the possibility to offer our customers specific data with unique precision, that can support them in their environmental efforts and communication,” says Andreas Regnell, Head of Strategic Development at Vattenfall. 

Customer Benefits- Colocation and Sustainability

For customers, the benefits are substantial. Many of the world’s leading organizations rely on data centers to store and process massive volumes of information. By choosing providers committed to 24/7 renewable energy, customers can reduce their own carbon footprints and demonstrate accountability to their stakeholders. This is especially critical as consumer and regulatory demands for transparency and sustainability continue to rise.  

By participating in this program, Digital Realty is setting a new standard for the data center industry, showcasing how innovative solutions can align operations with sustainability goals. Being one of the leading global providers of colocation, Digital Realty further ensures maximized energy utilization. 

“Colocation plays a pivotal role in driving sustainability by enabling businesses to reduce their carbon footprint through shared infrastructure and optimized energy efficiency. At Digital Realty, we believe that by centralizing operations in energy-efficient data centers powered by renewable energy, we can help our customers meet their sustainability goals while supporting a greener digital future”, says Pernille Hoffmann, managing director Nordics at Digital Realty.

Additional Innovations

Beyond renewable energy, Digital Realty’s data centers are exploring additional innovations, including energy-efficient cooling systems, recycling waste heat for use in local communities, and integrating AI-driven monitoring to optimize energy usage. By combining these strategies, data centers can minimize environmental impact while supporting the growing demand for AI and other energy-intensive digital services.  

Leading the Way in the Nordics

The Nordic region is leading the way in this transformation. With abundant renewable energy resources and a strong commitment to sustainability, Nordic data centers are setting global benchmarks for green operations. These advancements aren’t just beneficial for the environment - they represent a strategic advantage. 

Certifications and Validation

For Digital Realty, receiving new certifications in Sweden such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 and ISO 50001 further validates these efforts. ISO 50001 ensures data centers are systematically improving energy efficiency, while ISO 14001 focuses on minimizing environmental impact through structured management systems. Together, these certifications provide third-party assurance that data center operators are taking tangible steps toward sustainability.  

A Greener Digital Future

As demand for AI and digital services continues to grow, the energy required to power this digital future must also be addressed responsibly. By adopting practices like 24/7 renewable energy matching and pursuing certifications that validate their efforts, data centers can play a pivotal role in driving a greener, more sustainable digitalization journey.  

Read more about this initiative: Digital Realty Joins Innovative 24/7 Hourly Energy Matching Programs in Sweden and France  

Sustainable Data Centers – A Key to Green Digitalization