- Airtel’s Nxtra has increased its renewable energy sourcing capacity to 200 MW through a deal with Ampin, to power its data centres sustainably.
- Critics question whether such corporate agreements lead to genuine environmental benefits or are primarily for green branding, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and impact.
What happened: Airtel’s Renewable Energy Expansion
Airtel’s data centre arm, Nxtra, has raised its renewable energy sourcing deal with Ampin, an Indian renewable energy company, to 200 MW. This expansion follows an earlier agreement and aligns with Airtel’s broader sustainability targets. The increased capacity aims to power Nxtra’s data centres with cleaner energy, reducing carbon emissions associated with their operations. External links: Airtel, Ampin. The deal was reportedly facilitated through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), a common method for corporations to support renewable energy projects. These agreements enable companies to purchase renewable power directly from producers, often at competitive rates.
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Why it’s important
This development highlights how Indian telecom companies are increasingly integrating renewable energy into their infrastructure, driven by both regulatory pressures and global sustainability commitments. However, critics question whether such agreements genuinely lead to substantial environmental benefits or simply serve as greenwashing. The actual impact depends on the realisation of renewable projects and their integration into the grid. Despite positive narratives, the sustainability claims by large corporations are often scrutinised for transparency and tangible results. As India pushes towards ambitious renewable targets, industry sceptics argue that meaningful change requires more than just signing agreements—it demands systemic transformation and accountability. This story underscores the ongoing tension between corporate sustainability pledges and their real-world environmental impact.
