In a world where each digital interaction creates a virtual ripple, data centres have risen as the bedrock of our modern society. Yet, their colossal technological prowess has cast an ever-growing shadow on our environmental impact. As data consumption skyrockets and the need for sustainability intensifies, a transformative shift towards eco-friendly data centres has ignited.
Amidst this transformation, India assumes a pivotal role, poised to shape the narrative of the evolving data landscape. Projections reveal that India’s data centres are gearing up for a remarkable stride in real assets investments. Data centres in India are projected to spearhead the next wave of real assets investments, surging at an impressive compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 40%. By 2025, they are poised to achieve a staggering capacity of around 1,700 MW, backed by investments totalling a formidable $5 billion, according to a report by Avendus Capital.
This shift comes at a crucial crossroads, where technological advancements intersect with our responsibility to the environment. These information hubs are positioned to redefine the very essence of computing, ushering in an era where innovation and environmental awareness coexist harmoniously.
The environmental footprint of data centres: A looming concern
Traditionally, data centres have been notorious for their significant energy consumption, casting a looming shadow of carbon emissions. The exponential surge in data-driven activities, encompassing everything from cloud computing to streaming services, has only intensified this energy appetite, giving rise to an urgent demand for a transformative shift. As businesses aggressively pursue digital transformation, the anticipated surge in power consumption of data centres in India—expected to touch nearly 5 gigawatts over the next six to seven years—adds a critical dimension to the sustainability equation.
Within this context, it’s crucial to note that data centres and data transmission networks collectively contribute to approximately 1% of energy related greenhouse gas emissions. This challenge isn’t confined to local concerns; globally, data centre electricity consumption is estimated to have reached between 240 to 340 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2022, equating to about 1.0% to 1.3% of the total global final electricity demand.
The eco-friendly data centre revolution
With 138 data centres currently in operation, India ranks as the 13th largest global market in this sector. In response to growing environmental concerns tied to data centres, a surge of innovative and eco-conscious solutions has emerged, showcasing a resolute commitment to addressing these critical challenges.
The call of the hour is for eco-friendly data centres – facilities engineered with a core focus on reducing energy consumption and minimising their carbon footprint. These centres employ state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable practices to optimise energy use, cut waste, and lessen environmental impact.
One notable example is the adoption of renewable energy sources. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies are being integrated into data centre designs to harness clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This not only slashes carbon emissions but also enhances the sustainability quotient of data centres.
Driven by the significant power demand for critical digital infrastructure, these centres are progressively transitioning toward more environmentally sustainable configurations. Notably, insights from Gartner project a significant shift: by 2027, three-quarters (75%) of organisations are predicted to adopt energy-efficient data centres. This projection marks a substantial leap from the less than 5% recorded in 2022, signifying a robust industry-wide push toward enhanced sustainability.
Chairman and MD
Ishan Technologies
The road ahead: Empowering a sustainable digital future
India’s firm goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and relying on renewable energy for half of its electricity needs by 2030 sets an inspiring direction for a greener future. In the digital age, sustainability in computing becomes paramount. Eco-friendly data centres are not just a trend; they are essential for creating a digital world that respects our environment. The efforts of companies championing sustainability underscore the potential of eco-friendly data centres. By finding the right balance between technology and environmental preservation, sustainable computing charts a path to a more eco-conscious digital landscape.
Indian data centres are currently not facing this issue, but going ahead we will if we don’t practice sustainability. As organisations worldwide adopt this approach, the rise of eco-friendly data centres marks a significant step towards a sustainable digital future. This transformation signifies a commitment to a digital era that is responsible and considerate of our planet’s well-being.
