Uniper focuses on data centres as part of a new strategy, and plans EUR5 billion in investment

Uniper's transformation strategy was reaffirmed on Friday. The?German energy company plans to invest around EUR5 billion ($5.72 billion) in renewable energy and flexible power generation by 2030.

The company, which Germany saved during Europe's energy crisis in 2022, announced that it would spend more than half its planned investments on flexible electricity generation with an emphasis on Germany.

Berlin is preparing to sell its '99.12% share in Uniper. Potential buyers such as Canada's CPPIB, and Czech EPH are expected to submit letters of interests by mid-June. DATA CENTER? OPPORTUNITY

Uniper says that the growing demand for digital infrastructure will create growth opportunities as data centers increase their power consumption, increasing the need for reliable and long-term electricity supplies.

The company has identified over 10 sites that are strategically located along European data hubs and have suitable infrastructure. Three projects have already been?advanced developed, and further investment decisions are expected in this year. One project in Britain is already completed.

Michael Lewis, CEO of the company, said that "the rising electricity demand for data centres requires powerful and reliable supply solutions."

Uniper will generate additional revenue by securing its own generation capacity and, where economically feasible, by negotiating structured power purchase agreements. Reporting by Tom Kaeckenhoff and Kirsti Knolle, Editing Friederike Heine.

(source: Reuters)