23/12/25

Can Data Centers meet the growing demand for energy without compromising the planet? The answer is yes. And the path forward, without a doubt, lies in transitioning to more sustainable energy models, such as renewable self-generation. In a context marked by the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, this solution has become increasingly essential. 

As technologies like artificial intelligence continue to evolve, energy consumption has reached unprecedented levels. This surge is pushing organizations of all sizes and industries to explore alternatives that not only ensure operational resilience but also reduce their carbon footprint. 

In this scenario, wind energy emerges as one of the most promising sources for self-generation initiatives, particularly in Brazilian data centers. With increasingly competitive generation costs, high-efficiency operational cycles, and availability in strategically positioned regions, wind power effectively meets both the demand for continuous supply and the stringent sustainability requirements of international markets. 

Want to dive deeper into global trends and discover how Latin America, particularly Brazil, is performing in this space? Read on: 

What Is Renewable Energy Self-Generation? 

Renewable energy self-generation, also referred to as clean energy due to its minimal environmental impact, is a model in which an organization produces part or all of the electricity required to power its infrastructure using renewable sources. 

Among the main renewable energy sources available today, the following stand out: 

• Solar energy – captured through photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight into electricity. Widely used in regions with high solar incidence, such as northeastern Brazil, this source offers low maintenance costs and contributes to a more diversified energy mix. 

• Wind energy – generated by turbines driven by wind power. It is ideal for countries like Brazil, which benefit from abundant natural resources and favorable weather conditions. Wind energy is one of the most efficient and widely adopted sources in the self-generation model, especially in continuous operations such as Data Centers. 

• Hydropower – in this model, plants harness the force of moving water to produce electricity. Although it requires large-scale infrastructure, hydropower is one of the most established renewable sources, offering high reliability and large-scale generation capacity. 

• Biomass – derived from organic matter such as agricultural and forestry waste, biomass is converted into energy through processes like combustion or fermentation. This source is particularly valuable for organizations seeking renewable solutions and that have access to industrial or agricultural byproducts. 

Advantages of Renewable Energy 

One of the key benefits of renewable energy self-generation is greater control over energy supply, along with reduced operating costs and alignment with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices, which are increasingly demanded by the global market. 

In this context, wind power, for instance, offers a consistent and sustainable supply, especially in countries like Brazil that are naturally positioned to generate abundant energy from wind due to their favorable geographic and climatic conditions. 

In addition to being environmentally friendly, renewable energy self-generation reduces dependence on traditional sources such as fossil fuels and mitigates risks linked to price volatility in the energy market. 

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READ ALSO: Revolutionizing Data Infrastructure – The Role of Energy Self-Generation 

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Wind Energy in Data Centers: Key Benefits 

In the Data Center sector specifically, the growing trend of building dedicated clean energy generation sources has gained prominence by meeting core demands for resilience and efficiency. These mission-critical facilities operate 24/7 and rely on a stable energy supply to support essential functions such as data storage and information processing. 

Within this industry, wind power has emerged as one of the most promising renewable sources. Its ability to produce large volumes of electricity cleanly and efficiently makes it a strategic choice for both enterprises and government entities seeking environmental balance without compromising the continuous operation of their critical infrastructure. 

Among its key benefits are: 

• Energy efficiency and competitive cost – wind power is increasingly recognized for its low generation costs, particularly in regions with favorable weather conditions, such as Brazil. It also offers price stability, shielding budgets from fluctuations in the conventional energy market. 

• Low environmental impact – as a clean source, wind energy emits no greenhouse gases during operation, directly contributing to carbon footprint reduction. 

• Scalability – wind farms can be expanded to meet rising demand, offering flexibility for Data Centers undergoing growth or operating in remote areas with limited access to the conventional power grid. 

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LEARN MORE: Why Data Centers Need Renewable Energy 

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Global Trends and the Growth of the Renewable Energy Market 

The acceleration of the energy transition is inevitably reshaping global consumption patterns, driven by the expansion of renewable models. Sources like solar and wind are expected to lead to the growth of energy capacity over the coming decades, signaling a significant shift in how energy is consumed. 

This transformation is closely aligned with sustainability goals and the surging demand for electricity in critical sectors such as Data Centers. 

Global trends reinforce this momentum. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewables will surpass coal as the world’s leading energy source by 2025. Between 2023 and 2028, global renewable capacity is projected to grow by 7,300 GW, with 95% of that volume coming from solar and wind. Specifically for wind power, global production is expected to reach 2.11 trillion kWh in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.34% through 2029. 

This leap not only transforms the global energy mix but also positions emerging markets such as Brazil as key players in the shift toward a greener digital economy. 

In the context of Data Centers, this evolution is critical. The rise of artificial intelligence and cloud computing is driving exponential energy demand, pushing companies to adopt models that deliver both efficiency and sustainability. Emerging markets such as Brazil play a central role in this scenario, thanks to their clean energy matrix and abundant natural resources. 

Investing in renewable energy self-generation, particularly in wind and solar sources, has enabled companies to align their operations with international trends. In addition to reducing emissions, these strategies strengthen energy resilience, a key competitive advantage in the Data Center industry, which requires stable and sustainable operations 24/7. 

Partnership with Serena Energia, Strengthening ODATA’s Clean Energy Capacity for Data Centers 

ODATA announced the expansion of its partnership with Serena Energia, marking a significant milestone in reinforcing renewable energy self-generation for its Data Centers in Brazil. Since 2023, the two companies have been working together to integrate clean energy solutions into ODATA’s local operations, with wind power supplied by the Assuruá IV Wind Complex, located in Xique-Xique, Bahia. 

Under this new agreement, ODATA has increased its contracted energy volume by 135 percent, ensuring that its rapid infrastructure expansion remains sustainable and aligned with global ESG goals. With a total capacity of 212 MW, Assuruá IV leverages advanced technology to harness the wind potential of one of Brazil’s most favorable regions for wind energy generation. 

According to Ricardo Alário, this partnership not only reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability but also positions Brazil as a strategic hub for the expansion of green Data Centers. The collaboration with Serena Energia shows that clean energy investments are not only viable but essential to ensure competitiveness and environmental responsibility in an increasingly demanding market. 

Collaboration with Casa dos Ventos, Innovation in Wind Energy 

In addition to the Serena Energia partnership, ODATA has also signed an agreement with Casa dos Ventos, a sustainable energy solutions provider that plays a leading role in accelerating the energy transition. Through this initiative, ODATA is further strengthening its clean and renewable energy capacity for its operations in Brazil. The long-term contract will allow the company to benefit from energy generated at the Babilônia Sul Wind Complex, located in Várzea Nova, Bahia. 

For Lucas Araripe, Executive Director at Casa dos Ventos, this agreement illustrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. “Brazil is well-positioned to support the growth of the Data Center industry. We have an abundant supply of renewable energy at globally competitive prices, in addition to a clean energy matrix and the ability to quickly connect new data center loads to the grid, which is not the case in many other regions.” 

With 80 wind turbines and 360 MW of installed capacity, Babilônia Sul received an investment of R$1.8 billion and is projected to avoid approximately 720,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, the equivalent of planting around 4 million trees. In the case of Data Centers, which depend on an uninterrupted power supply, this reliability is essential for maintaining critical operations and meeting the growing demand for digital services. 

“We envision a future in which Brazil not only stands out in the global Data Center market but also emerges as a viable and sustainable alternative to meet the exponential growth in capacity demand. By incorporating a clean and self-sufficient energy source, we are not only reducing ODATA’s carbon footprint but also strengthening Brazil’s reputation as a global benchmark in sustainability,” concludes Ricardo Alário. 

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LEARN MORE: Green Data Centers, Superior Energy Efficiency with Reduced Environmental Impact 

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Want to know how your company can benefit from renewable energy self-generation?