Science ยท GS3
Energy footprint of data centres
One line
PIB reported data-centre capacity rising from 375 MW in 2020 to about 1,575 MW and estimated demand reaching about 17 GW by 2031-32.
Summary
AI and high-performance computing need large, reliable data centres. The issue is therefore not only digital growth. It is also power planning, cooling water, renewable procurement, grid reliability, and e-waste.
PYQ pattern
UPSC technology and environment questions often connect digital infrastructure with energy and resource use. See the official UPSC archive.
Core notes
- Data centres consume electricity for computing, storage, networking, and cooling.
- Power Usage Effectiveness compares total facility energy with energy used by computing equipment. Lower is generally more efficient.
- Water use varies with cooling technology, climate, and reuse systems.
- Renewable energy contracts can reduce operational emissions, but the grid, backup systems, construction, and hardware lifecycle also matter.
Prelims lens
- MW is a power-capacity unit. GW is one thousand MW.
- Data-centre capacity and electricity demand are related but different measures.
- Cooling can be air-based, liquid-based, or hybrid and has different water and energy profiles.
MCQ 1
Data centres require substantial electricity mainly for:
- Computing and storage.
- Cooling and associated infrastructure.
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
C
Both computing and cooling are major parts of data-centre energy use.
MCQ 2
Which statement is correct?
- A. More digital services automatically mean zero environmental cost.
- B. Data-centre expansion needs power, cooling, water, grid, and lifecycle planning.
- C. MW and MWh always mean the same thing.
- D. Backup power is irrelevant to reliability.
Reveal answerHide answer
B
Digital infrastructure has a material energy and resource footprint that needs planning and measurement.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: AI-led digital growth can increase data-centre demand. How should India pursue this growth without worsening energy and water stress?
Approach:
- Explain data-centre demand, computing, cooling, and reliability.
- Discuss efficiency, renewable power, waste heat, water reuse, and location.
- Examine grid congestion, emissions, drought, backup fuel, and hardware waste.
- Recommend efficiency standards, transparent reporting, clean power, water-sensitive siting, and circular procurement.