In a groundbreaking move, Adani Enterprises Limited, the company of the Adani Group, signed an agreement with the Maharashtra government at the World Economic Forum 2024 to build a 1 GW green hyperscale data center in the state. The plan is to invest Rs 50,000 crore over the next 10 years. The MoU was signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.
The hyperscale data center is slated to be strategically located in key areas such as Mumbai or Pune, with a distinctive focus on being powered entirely by renewable energy sources. This initiative is expected to bolster Maharashtra’s green energy infrastructure while generating employment opportunities for an estimated 20,000 individuals, as highlighted in a press release from the Adani Group.
Adani Group’s commitment extends beyond the establishment of the data center infrastructure; the conglomerate plans deemed distribution investments to power the envisaged project. Recognizing the economic and social benefits of such a hyperscale project, the Maharashtra government is eager to promote information technology-related infrastructure and services.
Mumbai has undergone a remarkable shift, transforming from a city with minimal reliance on renewable energy to a global leader in embracing clean energy practices. Today, Mumbai’s use of renewable energy surpasses that of many major cities worldwide. Massive projects, such as these, have played a key role in Mumbai’s journey toward greater sustainability, aligning seamlessly with its broader goals. This not only contributes significantly to Mumbai’s own renewable energy targets but also bolsters India’s overarching renewable energy objectives.
In 2023, Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) achieved a noteworthy milestone by meeting 38% of Mumbai consumers’ electricity needs through renewable sources. AEML is steadfast in its commitment to further elevate this figure, aiming to fulfill 60% of the city’s electricity requirements from renewable sources by 2027. This demonstrates a dedicated and impactful stride towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy landscape.
The burgeoning data center landscape in India is poised to reach a remarkable milestone, exceeding 1GW in total capacity by the end of 2024. This growth is attributed to the surge in trends such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), machine learning, and generative AI, which have fueled increased investments in data centers nationwide. Currently, Mumbai dominates the Indian data center scene with a commanding 52% share of the total IT load. Tier-II cities are also emerging as focal points for major data center operators.
In addition to the substantial investment in Maharashtra, Adani Group has announced an additional investment of Rs 5,000 crore for a data center in Telangana, further solidifying its commitment to shaping the future of India’s digital infrastructure.
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