Google, Amazon, Meta, Apple fuel India's renewable energy boom as data centre demand surges

New Delhi: Google, Amazon, Meta and Apple have emerged as major corporate buyers of renewable power in India, as their data centre expansion pushes up demand for clean electricity. Renewable capacity required to serve India's data centres could increase to 32.4 GW by 2030 from 16.1 GW this year, according to Anand Rathi Research's latest report.

The sharp increase is being driven by the rapid growth of data centres and artificial intelligence (AI). India's data-centre IT load is estimated to increase to 5.4 GW by 2030 from 2.7 GW in 2026. Meeting this demand could necessitate about 4 GW of additional round-the-clock clean power.

Also Read: With JSW by its side, Volkswagen to put India expansion plans on the fast track


This is creating a new market for renewable energy developers. Instead of relying solely on state distribution companies, large technology companies are increasingly looking to secure power directly through long-term contracts. Hyperscalers are seeking 15-20 year power purchase agreements (PPAs). This gives renewable developers a more predictable revenue stream and allows them to build projects against long-term corporate demand.

Meta has contracted nearly 1 GW of new renewable energy in India, including 837 MW of solar and wind projects with Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (CleanMax), and another 88 MW with Fourth Partner Energy. It has also tied up with Reliance Industries for a 168 MW AI-enabled data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Amazon has signed wind PPAs in India totalling 199 MW with CleanMax and BluPine Energy, while its India renewable portfolio includes 50 wind and solar projects. Google has signed a long-term agreement supporting a 150 MW solar project in Rajasthan, having previously backed 186 MW of wind and solar capacity in India.

Mumbai-based CleanMax is among the companies benefiting from this shift. Data and AI already account for about 42% of its contracted renewable power sales capacity, while the company has secured more than 35% of hyperscaler deals signed in India, according to the research.

Also Read: GEC-III scheme to unlock next growth phase for India renewables sector

The economics are attractive for both sides. Corporate consumers can negotiate renewable power directly with developers, while group-captive and open-access structures can lower their electricity costs compared with conventional grid supply.

The growth of virtual PPAs and energy attribute purchase agreements is further expanding the market. These structures allow global companies to secure renewable energy attributes and meet carbon reduction targets even when physical power delivery is not directly linked to their facilities. Hyperscalers offer developers stable, long-term contracts, while tech companies increasingly view renewable energy as essential to managing increasing data centre power costs.