India’s Expanding Data Centre Ecosystem

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Context

• India’s total data centre capacity has increased from about 375 MW in 2020 to around 1500 MW by 2025, indicating rapid expansion driven by digitalisation, cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI).

What  are Data centre?

• A data centre is a physical facility that centralizes an organization’s IT operations and equipment to store, process, and manage vast amounts of data. The core Components of data centers are IT Infrastructure and Support Infrastructure.
• IT Infrastructure:
  • Servers: High-performance computers that process data and run applications.
  • Storage Systems: Large arrays of drives (SSDs or HDDs) that house digital files and databases.
  • Networking: A complex web of routers, switches, and miles of fiber-optic cables that connect servers to each other and the internet.
• Support Infrastructure:
  • Power Systems: Redundant utility feeds, backup generators, and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to ensure the facility never loses power.
  • Cooling Systems: Advanced air conditioning (CRAC/CRAH) or liquid cooling to prevent hardware from overheating due to the massive heat generated by thousands of servers.
  • Security: Physical protections like biometric scanners, surveillance, and fire suppression systems, alongside digital firewalls.

India’s Data Centre Ecosystem

• Under the AI compute capacity framework, about 38,231 GPUs have been onboarded through 14 empanelled service providers/data centres under the AI compute capacity framework.
• These Data centres are located across the country such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Noida and Jamnagar, reflecting the clustering of digital infrastructure near major economic and connectivity centres.

Rising Power Demand from Data Centres

• Power Demand by Data Centres: AI workloads use large numbers of Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) with individual racks consuming 80-150 KW compared to 15-20 KW for traditional enterprise servers.
• This computational intensity drives an insatiable demand for electricity, making AI the most significant driver of increased energy consumption within the data centre sector.
  • According to the Ministry of Power, electricity demand from data centres is projected to reach 13.56 GW by 2031–32.

Role of Nuclear Energy in Powering Data Centres

• AI-driven data centres need sustainable and clean energy solutions to meet their rapidly rising power demand.
• While renewable energy has been the first choice for companies, it comes with inherent challenges of intermittency and inadequate storage. Here Nuclear power offers a viable solution by providing a clean, round-the-clock power supply. 
• Also the government has enacted the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act to strengthen the nuclear energy ecosystem in the country.
  • It supports the future deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and micro nuclear reactors

Way Ahead

• Adoption of Advanced Cooling Technologies: The industry should continue adopting direct-to-chip liquid cooling, adiabatic cooling and immersion cooling to minimise water consumption and improve energy efficiency in data centres.
• Strategic Location Planning: Establishing data centres in regions with adequate power availability, cooler climates and water resources can reduce operational costs and environmental pressure.

Source: PIB