How AI is forcing a green rethink for data centres

India will need to factor a green energy component into its data centre policy framework as the country’s expanding digital footprint — driven by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) systems — creates demand for greater storage capacity, experts said.

- BS REPORTER

The views were shared at a panel discussion titled Data Centre: A Sustainability Challenge during the ongoing two-day Business Standard Manthan summit. The session was moderated by Avik Das of Business Standard and featured Mohit Bhargava, country director at the India Energy & Climate Center, Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley; Nikhil Dhingra, chief executive officer (CEO) of Acme Solar Holdings; and Sunil Gupta, cofounder, managing director, and CEO of Yotta Data Services.

The panellists said a comprehensive green data centre policy was needed to drive sustainability and efficiency in India’s storage market.

"In the National Data Centre Policy, we need to add the word 'green'. India is a place that can actually house green data centres at the highest possible level. A National Green Data Centre Policy could be an important step and a strong signal," Bhargava said, adding that India can produce green energy at a more competitive cost than many other countries.