Netrality Data Centers secures $380M to support energy efficiency

Nov. 28, 2023
Based on a sustainability-linked loan, the funding will support data center projects focusing on reducing power consumption and sustainability.

Netrality Data Centers, the largest, privately held owner and operator of core interconnection facilities in the U.S., has secured a $380 million sustainability-linked credit facility (SLL).

The SLL will fuel data center expansion projects that embody sustainable designs and implement infrastructural measures to support reducing power usage effectiveness ("PUE") levels across Netrality's portfolio.

J.P. Morgan acted as the Administrative Agent, Joint Bookrunner and Joint Lead Arranger. Societe Generale and TD Securities (USA) LLC acted as Joint Bookrunners, Joint Lead Arrangers and Sustainability Structuring Agents. In addition, Huntington Bank served as the Managing Agent. Goldman Sachs was also a lender in the facility.

The SLL consists of a $125 million initial term loan, a $145 million revolving credit facility, and a $110 million delayed draw term loan. Interest payments on the SLL are adjusted based on Netrality, achieving annual targets related to energy-efficient capital expenditures and reduction in portfolio PUE, which third parties will externally verify.

Netrality said that the SLL reflects the company's dedication to enhancing its existing data halls' energy efficiency and sustainably adding new data halls. These facilities have next-gen network architectures and efficient infrastructure that meet critical power utilization goals. Qualifying capital expenditures defined in the SLL will support the sustainable buildout of new data halls with a design PUE of less than or equal to 1.5.

But the SLL is not just about new data center facilities. Netrality will also allocate funds toward advancing existing data halls with state-of-the-art technologies and energy-efficient upgrades to optimize power consumption and lower current PUE levels. Sustainability initiatives will include advanced waterless and liquid cooling technologies, artificial intelligence "AI" AI-enabled cooling software, high-efficiency UPS and electrical distribution upgrades, renewable energy purchases, and smart LED lighting to drive more significant environmentally responsible energy usage.

The SLL marks Netrality's second sustainability-focused loan. In January, Netrality announced it secured a $45 million construction loan with Oakwood Bank as Administrative Agent, Sole Lead Arranger, and Sole Bookrunner, along with Blue Sky Bank and Bank Midwest. The loan supports the construction, designed for energy and water conservation, at Netrality's KC2-7801 Nieman Road facility in Shawnee, Kansas. 

Netrality's facilities are located where there’s a density of intersecting long-haul and metro optical networks — offering customers interconnectivity, rapid data transmission, network diversity, and global reach.

"With this loan, we are making a significant step in accomplishing our broader environmental commitments, encompassing carbon emission reductions, energy efficiency, and responsible water usage. In addition to refinancing a portion of our existing debt facilities, the loan plays a pivotal role in enabling the expansion of our portfolio — meeting the ever-growing demands for capacity and connectivity in an environmentally conscious manner,” said Gerald M. Marshall, president and CEO of Netrality.

For related articles, visit the Data Center Test Topic Center.

For more information on optical components and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.

To stay abreast of optical communications technology, subscribe to Lightwave’s Enabling Technologies Newsletter.

About the Author

Sean Buckley

Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.

Sponsored Recommendations

March 25, 2025
Explore how government initiatives and industry innovations are transforming rural broadband deployments, overcoming cost and logistical challenges to connect underserved areas...
March 12, 2025
Join us for an engaging discussion with industry experts on the intersection of AI and optics. Moderated by Sean Buckley, editor-in-chief of Lightwave+BTR, this panel will explore...
April 9, 2025
As transceiver speeds increase, so do thermal challenges. Discover key insights into innovative cooling solutions that ensure optimal performance and reliability.
April 10, 2025
The value of pluggable optics in open-line systems is also becoming more apparent. This webinar describes this trend and explores how such modules can best be employed. Register...