Google Plans to Tap Solar Power From Rayalaseema

Nagabhushanam Hoskote | DC

Anantapur, May 18

Google is planning to source solar power from the Rayalaseema region for its proposed AI Data Centre Hub in Visakhapatnam, which woild require large-scale round-the-clock electricity supply.

Sources said the proposed 1 GW hyperscale AI and cloud campus would depend significantly on renewable energy, particularly solar power.

The Rayalaseema region, especially Satya Sai district, has emerged as a major solar power production hub because of the availability of large stretches of dry land and favourable climatic conditions for solar energy generation.

According to sources, the company has sought nearly 30,000 acres in the first phase for establishing solar power units to supply electricity to the proposed data centre project in Visakhapatnam.

Reliance is already in the process of developing 5,000mw solar power projects in the Amadagur area, where more than 25,000 acres have reportedly been procured. Farmers affected by drought and rainfall deficit are said to be receiving a fixed annual income of `35,000 under the land arrangements facilitated by the state government.

Puttaparthi MLA Palle Sindhura Reddy told Deccan Chronicle that Satya Sai district, particularly the Puttaparthi Assembly segment, had adequate land availability and favourable conditions for large-scale solar power generation.

She said several companies had already established solar units in the district.

Sources said representatives of Google had approached the authorities regarding land required for solar energy production and revenue officials started identifying suitable locations for the project.

The proposed Visakhapatnam project is being positioned as a large AI and cloud infrastructure ecosystem with scope for future expansion. Industry discussions have also highlighted the importance of renewable energy, particularly solar power, in supporting large-scale data centre operations.