India’s Data Centre Industry Seeks to Reduce Carbon Footprint
India is witnessing a data centre boom, driven by rising mobile data traffic, emerging technologies, and the increased adoption of cloud-based services. According to a report published by US consultants ANAROCK-Binswanger, India is projected to host 183 data centres with a total IT capacity of at least 1,752 MW by 2025, up from 138 data centres with 737 MW of capacity as of March 2022. However, data centres are notorious energy guzzlers, consuming significantly more energy than office buildings and contributing to one percent of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
The Indian government’s focus on sustainability has prompted the data centre industry to explore advanced and energy-efficient cooling solutions for optimal performance. Cooling presents a critical challenge for data centres, as approximately 40 percent of their power is dedicated to cooling servers. To address this issue, industry players are advocating for the adoption of cost-effective cooling techniques that consume less energy.
The data centre cooling market in India has substantial growth potential, with an expected market value of $775.85 million by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.49 percent, according to a recent industry report. Several trends have emerged in the sector, including the monitoring of conditions, integration of energy systems, utilization of renewable sources, and real-time energy consumption monitoring.
Cloud-based monitoring and control systems equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools offer real-time data on equipment performance, energy consumption, and environmental conditions. These advanced systems increase efficiency, lower downtime, and reduce energy costs by providing a holistic view of how different energy-efficient products work together to ensure overall cooling.
One leading player in energy-efficient solutions, Danfoss India, emphasizes the potential for improving data centre cooling efficiency by utilizing chillers and heat pumps with their technology. By harnessing chillers capable of handling higher water temperatures and oil-free compressors like Turbocor, data centres can achieve up to 30 percent more efficient cooling. Furthermore, excess heat generated by data centres can be recovered and distributed to the local neighborhood, reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
In line with global efforts to combat climate change, data centres in India are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower to power their operations. Simultaneously, the automation of data centres optimizes resource utilization, reduces human error, and enhances overall efficiency.
Danfoss India plans to introduce high-efficiency oil-free chillers that use environmentally friendly refrigerants and require minimal maintenance. These chillers aim to ensure data centres achieve zero downtime while meeting high-efficiency needs.
As major players in the data centre and telecom network operator space set ambitious targets to achieve carbon-free operations, more environmentally friendly approaches are gaining traction. A recent report by the International Energy Agency highlighted the potential environmental benefits of these approaches.
By prioritizing sustainable practices, the Indian data centre industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint while meeting the growing demand for data services. With the adoption of energy-efficient cooling solutions and renewable energy sources, data centres can play a crucial role in India’s transition to a greener future.
