India's data centre capacity may surge to 24-26 GW, impact on overall power demand to remain limited: CEA Chairman

India's data centre capacity could expand to 24-26 gigawatts, up from less than 2 gigawatts at present, but its impact on the overall electricity demand is expected to remain modest, according to Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad. The renewable energy sector is also poised for significant growth, aiming to reach an estimated 800 gigawatts by 2035-36.

Prasad stated that the anticipated rise in data centre capacity has been accounted for in the country's future power demand projections, prompting an expansion of generation capacity to match. He emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate power generation capacity to prevent any shortage and ensure consumer demand is met.

Prasad also highlighted the progress in renewable energy capacity, which has surpassed the 300 gigawatt mark, and set a target of reaching 800 gigawatts by 2035-36. Additionally, the development of energy storage infrastructure is gaining momentum, with Prasad expressing optimism about its future. Lastly, he stressed the need to accelerate the adoption of smart meters to enhance the visibility of electricity consumption and generation across the power network.