Current Hydro LLC has signed long-term renewable energy purchase agreements with Digital Realty, the world’s largest provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data centers.
The deal covers three planned hydroelectric projects on the Ohio River: the New Cumberland Hydroelectric Project in Hancock County, West Virginia; the Pike Island Hydroelectric Project in Belmont County, Ohio; and the Robert C. Byrd Hydroelectric Project in Mason County, West Virginia. Together, the facilities will provide nearly 70MW of hydropower, with operations expected to begin in 2029.
The new projects are intended to support Digital Realty’s efforts to reduce emissions and supply renewable power to its data centers.
“This partnership with Digital Realty is a major milestone for Current Hydro,” said Jeremy King, CEO of Current Hydro. “By developing hydropower at existing dams in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way, we’re able to deliver long-term, dependable carbon free energy to the grid while creating lasting benefits for local communities in Ohio and West Virginia.”
“New Cumberland, Pike Island, and RC Byrd are just the beginning,” said Nick Stork, founder of Conifer Infrastructure Partners and board member of Current Hydro. “These first projects launch our broader portfolio on the Ohio River and beyond, and we’re proud to partner with a global leader like Digital Realty to demonstrate the role hydropower can play in powering data center growth with sustainable, baseload energy.”
The projects will use existing lock-and-dam infrastructure, avoiding the need for new dams and limiting ecological disruption. Once operational, they will supply electricity and environmental attributes directly to Digital Realty under the agreements.
