India’s AI future built on resilient infrastructure, edge intelligence, and sustainable data centers

ROOPESH KUMAR
HEAD - DATA CENTER PROJECTS, SIFY TECHNOLOGIES

“Our data centers are built to support a wide range of workloads, including AI, high-density computing, and specialized processing. The Rabale Data Center campus is equipped to handle AI workloads of up to 130 kV using direct-to-chip technology. We are also investing in advanced facilities for AI and high-density computing, supported by reliable network connections and diverse carrier options. To manage the heat from densely packed AI clusters, we are adopting advanced cooling technologies such as liquid cooling, rear door heat exchangers (RDHx), and immersion cooling, moving beyond traditional air cooling. These upgrades ensure our infrastructure can efficiently and securely handle modern compute-intensive workloads at scale.

Edge computing, hybrid cloud, and AI-optimized infrastructure play a central role in our growth strategy in India. Our in-house cloud platform operates the data center infrastructure, enabling effective hybrid cloud deployment that combines on-premises systems with cloud-based environments. Data centers in Airoli and Bengaluru are designed to support public and hybrid cloud hosting, catering to enterprise digital transformation. AI significantly enhances data center efficiency, particularly in energy management, cooling, and resource allocation. Through scalable infrastructure and flexible pricing, we aim to advance domestic innovation and establish India as a global hub for AI transformation. Our plans to establish and expand an Edge footprint across the country are detailed in our DRHP, reflecting the importance of bringing compute closer to users while maintaining robust interconnection and low- latency performance.

Sustainability is embedded in our infrastructure strategy as we balance rapid capacity expansion with energy efficiency and renewable integration. India’s total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW, with renewables accounting for over 46% of installed capacity. Our data centers use substantial energy, so improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact is a priority. We are increasingly adopting renewable sources such as solar, wind, and bioenergy. Across all 14 data centers, renewable power absorption exceeds 38%, while our largest campus operates at nearly 60%. Over the next three years, rapid adoption of high-density GPUs and specialized AI chips, along with AI- powered cooling systems, will reshape infrastructure requirements, manage thermal loads, and improve energy consumption. India’s initiative to set up 18,000 advanced GPU-based facilities under the IndiaAI Mission, expected in early Q4 of Fiscal 2025, will significantly influence power consumption and competitiveness, ensuring operational efficiency for India’s AI-driven digital economy.”