AI training centres to be key customers for renewable energy companies: Akshay Hiranandani

Artificial intelligence (AI) training centres and data centres could become an important customer segment for renewable energy companies, especially if overseas data comes to India, said Akshay Hiranandani, chief executive of KKR-backed Serentica Renewables.

"If AI training centres come through, the number could be very large. If it is just a data centre, and data of India itself, it could be smaller. While the demand is uncertain, it could be an important customer segment," Hiranandani told ET. A mix of energy sources, including nuclear power, will be key in meeting growing power demand in India, he added. Emphasising on firm renewable power, he said Serentica recently signed a power delivery agreement with Hindustan Zinc for round-the-clock renewable energy up to 530 MW that includes a minimum guarantee of 315 MW uninterrupted power supply in every 15-minute time block.