Princeton Digital Group (PDG), a data center firm, has made an important move towards sustainability by signing an agreement to purchase solar energy in India.



The signing of a 25-year power consumption agreement with Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) marks a significant achievement in the pursuit of eco-friendlier data center operations.

PDG has agreed to purchase the power generated by a solar project located in Maharashtra's Nanded district, around 600 kilometers away from its MU1 data center in Airoli, Mumbai. Generation from the solar project will start gradually from June 2023 onwards. This procurement arrangement is referred to as "captive power," which generates electricity specifically catered to the needs of a particular customer, in this case, PDG's data center.

MU1, PDG's flagship data center, represents a USD 300 million investment in India's digital infrastructure. The six-acre MU1 provides secure and scalable data center capacity, powered by 40% renewable energy sources, to hyperscalers, as well as content, commerce, and fintech firms.

PDG's environmental strategy focuses on sustainability. The company proactively pursues different initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote a greener approach within the data center industry. Initiatives include procuring renewable energy, enhancing energy and resource efficiency, implementing green design and construction practices, and investing in technology and innovation.

Additionally, PDG aims to achieve Net Zero emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 operations by 2030. By substituting a substantial amount of conventional energy with renewable energy, PDG is taking a crucial step towards minimizing its environmental impact. Through its partnership with Tata Power, PDG aligns with its ambitious environmental goals and sets an example for other companies in the sector.

The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy have jointly launched the Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR). This initiative aims to promote innovation in the power sector by leveraging emerging technologies. MAHIR will support pilot projects, commercialize indigenous technologies including those from Indian start-ups, and establish international alliances for research and development of advanced technologies. The mission will also position India as a leader in power system technology development and contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

PDG's USD 300 million sustainable data center is an impressive project focused on incorporating environmentally friendly practices into the design and operation of the facility. The company aims to minimize the carbon footprint and maximize energy efficiency by using renewable energy sources, implementing innovative cooling systems, and adopting sustainable construction methodologies.

The data center will utilize a combination of solar energy, wind power, and other renewable sources to meet its energy needs. PDG is committed to sourcing renewable energy locally, thereby supporting the development of clean energy infrastructure in the region.

In terms of cooling, the data center will employ advanced technologies like liquid cooling and free cooling techniques that reduce the reliance on traditional air conditioning and result in significant energy savings. This efficient cooling architecture minimizes the electricity demand and lowers the overall environmental impact.

Apart from energy considerations, PDG also emphasizes sustainable construction practices. The materials used for building the data center will be chosen carefully to ensure they are both durable and environmentally friendly. The facility will be designed with features that optimize energy performance and reduce waste generation during construction and operation.

Additionally, PDG plans to implement responsible water usage strategies and waste management practices within the data center. Water conservation methods, such as rainwater harvesting and water recycling, will be employed to minimize the facility's water footprint. Waste reduction and recycling programs will also be in place to promote a circular economy approach.

PDG's sustainable data center project goes beyond just incorporating environmentally friendly practices. It also focuses on designing and building a facility that meets the highest standards of reliability, security, and scalability.

The data center will be equipped with advanced backup power systems to ensure uninterrupted operations even during power outages. These systems may include uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, backup generators, and redundant power distribution infrastructure.

In terms of security, the data center will implement state-of-the-art measures to protect the infrastructure and the data stored within it. This may include physical security measures like biometric access controls, surveillance cameras, and secure entry points. Network security protocols and fire suppression systems will also be in place to safeguard against unauthorized access and potential threats.

Scalability is another important aspect of the data center project. PDG aims to construct a flexible and modular infrastructure that can easily adapt to changing technology needs and increased data storage requirements. This ensures that the data center can accommodate future growth and advancements in the field of data analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies.

Overall, PDG's USD 300 million sustainable data center project combines sustainable practices with reliability, security, and scalability to deliver a cutting-edge facility that meets the demands of the digital age while minimizing environmental impact.