Data center firm Princeton Digital Group (PDG) has taken a significant step towards sustainability by signing an agreement to procure solar energy in India. The company announced a 25-year power consumption agreement with Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), marking a milestone in the pursuit of greener data center operations.
Under the agreement, PDG will be purchasing power generated by a solar project located in the Nanded district of Maharashtra, approximately 600km away from its MU1 data center in Airoli, Mumbai. The solar project will gradually commence generation from June 2023 onwards. This procurement arrangement is often referred to as “captive power,” meaning power generation specifically catered to the needs of a particular customer, and in this case, PDG’s data center.
Princeton Digital Group’s flagship data center, MU1, represents a USD 300 million investment in India’s digital infrastructure. Situated within a larger IT campus in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, MU1 spans approximately six acres and delivers secure and scalable data center capacity to hyperscalers, content, commerce, and fintech companies.
MU1 operates with a focus on sustainability, utilizing 40% renewable energy to power its critical IT operations. Furthermore, the data center has been designed to minimize water consumption, demonstrating PDG’s commitment to responsible resource management.
Princeton Digital Group’s environmental strategy
Sustainability lies at the heart of PDG’s environmental strategy. The company actively pursues several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote a greener approach within the data center industry. These efforts include procuring renewable energy, enhancing energy and resource efficiency, implementing green design and construction practices, and investing in technology and innovation.
PDG’s partnership with Tata Power aligns with its ambitious environmental goals. The company aims to achieve Net Zero emissions for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 operations by 2030, emphasizing its dedication to providing world-class sustainable data center services to customers. By substituting a significant portion of conventional energy with renewable energy, PDG takes a crucial step towards minimizing its environmental impact.
By procuring solar energy and reducing its environmental impact, PDG sets an example for other companies in the sector. The collaboration between PDG and TPREL serves as a testament to the importance of renewable energy in powering digital infrastructure while aligning with global sustainability goals.
Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)
In a related development, the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy have jointly launched the Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR). This initiative aims to leverage emerging technologies and drive innovation within the power sector. By focusing on indigenous research, development, and demonstration of the latest technologies, MAHIR seeks to achieve national priorities such as net zero emissions and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Mission’s objectives are to:
- Identify and develop emerging technologies for the global power sector.
- Foster collaboration among power sector stakeholders and facilitate technology transfer.
- Support pilot projects and commercialize indigenous technologies, including those from Indian start-ups.
- Establish international alliances for research and development of advanced technologies and knowledge exchange.
- Promote scientific and industrial R&D and create an innovative power sector ecosystem.
- Position India as a leader in power system technology development.
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