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Technology
Andhra Pradesh mandates 70% renewable power for data centres, tackles water use
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 25 Sep 2026, 05:32 PM
👁 9
The Andhra Pradesh government has issued a directive requiring data centres to source at least 70% of their power from renewable sources, while also introducing measures to address their water consumption.
In a bid to make the state's digital infrastructure more sustainable, the Andhra Pradesh government announced a new regulation that obliges data‑centre operators to procure at least 70 per cent of their electricity from renewable sources.
The rule, unveiled by the state’s Energy Department, also tackles growing concerns over the water footprint of large‑scale server farms. Operators will be required to adopt water‑saving technologies and submit regular consumption reports.
Industry bodies have welcomed the move as a step toward aligning India’s tech sector with the country’s climate goals, while noting that compliance costs will need careful management. The government has set a phased implementation timeline, giving firms a transition period to upgrade power contracts and install efficient cooling systems.
If successfully implemented, the policy could position Andhra Pradesh as a leading hub for green data services, attracting investment from companies seeking environmentally responsible hosting solutions.
The rule, unveiled by the state’s Energy Department, also tackles growing concerns over the water footprint of large‑scale server farms. Operators will be required to adopt water‑saving technologies and submit regular consumption reports.
Industry bodies have welcomed the move as a step toward aligning India’s tech sector with the country’s climate goals, while noting that compliance costs will need careful management. The government has set a phased implementation timeline, giving firms a transition period to upgrade power contracts and install efficient cooling systems.
If successfully implemented, the policy could position Andhra Pradesh as a leading hub for green data services, attracting investment from companies seeking environmentally responsible hosting solutions.