India Data Center Review 2026: Regional Energy Demand Outlook

Abstract

The India Data Center Review 2026 presents the first comprehensive, independently produced analysis of energy demand projections for India's rapidly expanding data center sector. Drawing on primary infrastructure surveys, utility filings, and satellite imagery analysis, this review maps current and planned data center capacity across seven major clusters: Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. We project total data center power demand to reach 4.5-5.2 GW by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate of 28-33% from the 2024 baseline. The review examines the grid integration challenges posed by this growth, including transmission constraints, renewable energy procurement pathways, and the emerging tension between hyperscaler sustainability commitments and the carbon intensity of India's regional grids. Each regional chapter includes a power demand forecast, grid capacity assessment, and policy landscape analysis. The review is published under the India Data Center Review ISSN and is intended as an annual reference for infrastructure planners, investors, and policymakers.

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