India’s Data Center Boom Faces Growing Water Scarcity Concerns
navi Mumbai, India – india’s rapidly expanding data centre industry, crucial for a booming digital economy, is increasingly confronting a critical challenge: water scarcity. Teh energy-intensive facilities require significant amounts of water for cooling, raising concerns about sustainability and potential strain on local resources, notably in already water-stressed regions.
Driven by rising internet penetration, increasing cloud adoption, and government initiatives promoting digital infrastructure, India is projected too become a major global data centre hub. However, this growth is colliding with a pre-existing water crisis, forcing policymakers and industry leaders to seek innovative solutions to ensure enduring operations. The concentration of data centres in urban clusters like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru exacerbates the problem, placing additional pressure on already limited water supplies.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India’s electricity consumption for data centres is expected to double, rising from 0.5-1% of the country’s total power demand to around 1-2%. This increased energy demand further complicates the situation, as power generation itself frequently enough requires ample water resources.
“This could mean increased use of fossil fuel-based energy, as right now there is no regulation that forces data centres to use renewable energy,” explains Ms. Garg, highlighting the interconnectedness of energy and water challenges. While many data centres have voluntarily contracted with renewable energy companies to reduce their carbon footprint, a formal mandate for clean energy use is seen as crucial for long-term sustainability.
The issue extends beyond energy consumption. Data centres employ various cooling methods, including evaporative cooling, which consumes large volumes of water. Choice cooling technologies, such as liquid cooling and air cooling, are gaining traction but require significant investment and infrastructure adjustments.
Delhi faces a particularly delicate balancing act as it pursues its digital ambitions while minimizing environmental impact. “we need to ensure that one good is not sacrificed for another,” Ms.Garg stated, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to policy and development. sustainable practices, including water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and the adoption of water-efficient cooling technologies, will be essential to navigate this challenge and ensure the continued growth of India’s digital infrastructure without compromising its water security.
