Bharti Airtel, a prominent telecommunications service provider in India, has taken a substantial step towards environmental sustainability by announcing its intent to acquire 23,000 MWh of renewable energy to power its data center subsidiary, Nxtra, by Q4 FY 2023-24. This initiative aligns with Airtel’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and transition towards cleaner energy sources. To accomplish this ambitious goal, Airtel will invest in renewable energy projects established by Continuum Green India Pvt. Ltd. and Vibrant Energy Holdings Pte. Ltd., thereby powering six of Nxtra’s Edge data center facilities.
Airtel’s renewable energy procurement strategy involves acquiring stakes in the project companies of Continuum Green and Vibrant Energy. Continuum Green will supply green power generated from solar and wind projects to Nxtra’s Edge data centers situated in Madhya Pradesh. Similarly, Airtel has entered into a stake purchase agreement with Vibrant Energy, which will provide solar power to the Edge data center located in Vijayawada.
With the integration of these new renewable energy capacities, Nxtra data centers are set to exceed a total contracted capacity of 274,000 MWh. This achievement solidifies Nxtra’s position as a frontrunner in establishing eco-friendly data centers in India.
Ashish Arora, CEO of Nxtra by Airtel, emphasized the company’s commitment to becoming a Net Zero Company by 2031. The ambitious goal entails a reduction of absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 100%, using FY2021 as the base year. Nxtra plans to achieve this milestone through a multifaceted approach, including accelerated adoption of green energy, implementation of energy-efficient infrastructure and processes, and the incorporation of sustainable business practices throughout its operations.
As part of its sustainable growth strategy, Nxtra by Airtel is prepared to invest ₹5000 crores to double its existing capacity to over 400 MW in the coming years. This investment also encompasses the establishment of new data center facilities in key cities such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai.
Airtel’s commitment to procuring renewable energy for Nxtra data centers underscores its dedication to environmental responsibility and leadership in the telecommunications and data center industry. As the company continues to invest in sustainable practices and infrastructure, it paves the way for a greener and more eco-conscious future for the Indian data center sector.
