Nxtra by Airtel has said 38.3% of the total electricity consumed in its core data centers was sourced from renewable energy sources in the financial year 2023-24.

The use of renewable energy went up 41% from the previous year, the company said in its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report.

Nxtra claimed that 220,541 MWh of its energy requirements were met with green power wheeling arrangements and captive rooftop solar installations, a 166% increase from the 2020-21 baseline.

“Additionally, in collaboration with the Airtel group, we have invested in 14 companies to develop renewable power plants, enabling the sourcing of over 427,859 MWh of green energy for our data centers. Furthermore, rooftop solar plants have been installed at both core and edge data centers, covering 29 locations,” Nxtra’s ESG report said.

Ashish Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Nxtra, said, “The future of data centers lies in our ability to harmonize intelligent infrastructure with sustainability. By integrating ESG initiatives into our business model, we enhance our operational efficiency and pave the way for a more sustainable digital economy.”

Nxtra said it has set a 70% renewable energy consumption target for its core data centers by 2027 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2031. “This goal will be realized through several key initiatives, including sourcing renewable energy via open access mediums through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), installing captive solar PV plants at our core data centers, commissioning fuel cell-based captive power plants and retrofitting HSD-based backup power generators with gas-based systems.”

Earlier this year, the company partnered with AmpIn Energy and Amplus Energy to set up captive solar and wind power projects totaling 72.3 MW capacity to power its data centers.

The 25-year agreements will help Nxtra reduce its carbon footprint by around 99,547 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.

The company planned to purchase 23,000 MWh of renewable energy by the fourth quarter of FY 2024.