Inspired drives VIRTUS’s Net Zero ambitions with wind-powered tri-party CPPA
VIRTUS has subscribed to a combined power purchase agreement (PPA) totalling 31MW of wind power, representing 16% of the total generation from Lynn and Inner Dowsing (LID) offshore windfarms, with a commencement date of 1st October 2025. This strategic agreement ensures a long-term supply of renewable energy, underscoring VIRTUS’ continued commitment to sustainable operation of its data centres.
A CPPA is a long-term energy contract between a corporate customer and a renewable power generator/developer. CPPAs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for companies wanting to reach net-zero, as they offer up to 100% renewable power. Having a CPPA means the energy businesses use can be traced back to a specific renewable energy project, such as a wind or solar farm, which feeds an equivalent amount of power into the grid.
David Cockshott, Chief Commercial Officer at Inspired, said: “Inspired has been proud to partner with VIRTUS as their dedicated energy consultant. We are excited to continue supporting their sustainable journey and to commence this tri-party agreement, which allows renewable power to flow directly to their data centres.”
Helen Kinsman, SVP Commercial and Regulatory Affairs at VIRTUS, said: “As an energy intensive user, we know it’s our responsibility to minimise the environmental impact from all our data centre facilities. Hence, since going live with our first site in 2011, we have been procuring power from 100% renewable sources. We are committed to delivering reliable, resilient and responsible digital infrastructure to our customers and operate the gold standard in sustainable data centres in the UK and Europe.”
The renewable power will be delivered by Lynn and Inner Dowsing (LID) offshore windfarms, owned by funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management. Macquarie Asset Management is supported by XceCo Ltd, a UK asset management company specialising in the full project life cycle of renewable energy ventures.
Recognised consistently by leading clients as a top-performing firm, XceCo is committed to driving sustainable energy solutions profitably. The offshore wind farms are located 5 km off the east coast of England by the town of Skegness, in Lincolnshire.
Bailey Bradley, Managing Director and co-founder XceCo, said of the deal: “The successful delivery of this CPPA for one of our offshore wind farm assets under management stands as a testament to the exceptional collaboration between XceCo and all stakeholders involved in delivering this transaction. The commercial complexities involved in delivering this CPPA have proven to be a great experience. Through painstaking efforts, continuous multi-party engagements, a shared vision and unwavering commitment, we turned a complex challenge into a powerful achievement, generating success together."
