The government of the Western Indian state of Maharashtra is reportedly planning to build data center parks totalling an IT capacity of 1.5 GW in and around Mumbai, all completely powered by clean and renewable energy sources. According to local media reports, the state is aiming to attract investments worth Rs. 1.60 lakh crore (~US$ 20 billion) for the project that will see the development of three facilities of 500 MW each in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
The Green Integrated Data Center Park is an ambitious digital infrastructure project that mandates the use of 100 percent green energy for core data center activities, reports MidDay, citing a note from the Maharashtra Cabinet. The project will also get uninterrupted water supply at a “reasonable tariff”, said the report. It further says that facilities and incentives will only be given when promoters invest at least Rs 10,000 crores and use 100 percent clean energy.
“With the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the demand for data storage and processing has surged, leading to increased energy consumption by data centres. This has raised concerns over global warming. In light of India’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070, green technology has become crucial for the future. Maharashtra’s Green Integrated Data Centre Park will address these concerns by promoting eco-friendly practices in the sector,” announced the government, reported The Hindu BusinessLine.
Citing an unnamed source close to the project, The Indian Express reported that that the project was expected to provide direct employment for 500 highly skilled professionals, as well as indirectly generate employment for another 3,000 people.
At present, Maharashtra’s capital city of Mumbai, and its surrounding areas like Navi Mumbai and Thane, as well as the Taloja – Bhiwandi industrial belt comprise the largest data center hub in India, cornering over 50 percent of the country’s total IT capacity.
