The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) Green Data Center Coalition have signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to work together on advancing research, policy support, and practical solutions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of India’s data center industry. This partnership is designed to promote renewable energy adoption with storage solutions for powering data centers in a reliable and cost-effective way, while also developing long-term strategies for sustainable growth.
The collaboration will focus on a range of activities, including technical assistance, analysis of electricity demand, and pilot demonstrations that can showcase renewable-powered models for data centers. With India’s data center industry expanding rapidly due to increasing digital penetration and the rise of data-intensive technologies, the demand for electricity in this sector is projected to rise significantly. Currently, data centers consume much more energy per square foot compared to standard office spaces, and by 2030 they could account for up to 6 percent of India’s total electricity demand, compared to less than 1 percent today.
At the signing event, Alekhya Datta, Director, Electricity & Renewables at TERI, noted that India’s data centers could require around 390 TWh of electricity by 2070. He highlighted the importance of carbon-free power planning to meet this demand, adding that renewable energy combined with storage solutions can provide 24×7 reliable power at a decreasing cost, making the transition both affordable and scalable.
Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, CEO of NSEFI, emphasized that data centers are set to become one of the largest consumers of electricity in the country by the end of this decade. He explained that the Green Data Center Coalition will serve as a platform to bring stakeholders together, develop supportive policies, and scale up firm renewable power supply through innovative business models. He also pointed out that this approach can help states attract new investments and position themselves as hubs for sustainable data center development.
The NSEFI Green Data Center Coalition was created to serve as a dedicated platform to accelerate the sector’s decarbonization. Its work includes shaping policy and regulatory frameworks, promoting renewable energy instruments like Virtual Power Purchase Agreements and round-the-clock storage, and addressing non-electricity-related challenges such as cooling and energy efficiency.
The coalition also aims to raise standards, promote compliance, and encourage the exchange of best practices in areas such as technology and ESG performance. To achieve these objectives, it plans to collaborate with central and state governments, host stakeholder workshops, connect data center operators with renewable energy providers, and share both domestic and international experiences in developing green data centers.
The announcement was made during the inaugural plenary of the 1st Data Center Summit on Carbon-Free Energy, organized by NSEFI and supported by Amazon. The event featured the participation of senior representatives from NSEFI and Amazon, with Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Power, New & Renewable Energy, attending as Chief Guest.
India is currently one of the world’s largest data consumers, with individuals using over 19 GB of data per month. This rapid growth has driven the demand for more data centers, which are among the most energy-intensive facilities in the country. Greening these data centers could reduce their emissions by up to 88 percent, making a significant contribution to India’s broader decarbonization goals.
Through this partnership, TERI brings its expertise in research and technology assessment, while NSEFI contributes its coalition-building capabilities and policy advocacy. Together, the two organizations aim to create a clear roadmap for the sustainable growth of data centers in India. Their joint efforts are expected to support India in meeting its 2030 renewable energy targets and reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent from 2022 levels, ensuring that the country’s digital transformation is aligned with its climate and sustainability commitments.
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