India’s data centre buildout is surging fast, backed by hyperscalers and government support, with AI-ready capacity growing alongside major investments. But the “hidden cost of compute” is resource strain: data centres already consume significant electricity and massive water, while power and cooling trade-offs lock in impacts for decades. Meanwhile, much demand is still anchored by global players, raising questions about who truly captures the value.
India’s total power consumption grew 4.04% in April to 154 billion units, starting softer on unseasonal rains before warmer temperatures lifted usage later in the month. Peak power demand climbed to a record 256.11 GW. Experts expect further increases from May due to a harsh summer, with the monsoon likely to ease demand in June.
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