Originally published in ET.com/ETedge-insights.com

As digital transformation accelerates, the demand for data storage and processing is surging, placing immense pressure on data center infrastructure. Balancing scalability with sustainability has become a critical challenge for the industry. In the exclusive conversation with ET.com, Sharad Agarwal, CEO Sify Infinit Spaces Ltd. explores how the company is tackling carbon emissions, enhancing operational efficiency, and leveraging innovation to meet evolving customer needs. From green energy investments to cutting-edge cooling solutions and talent development, he shares insights into the company’s strategic roadmap and vision for the future of data centers in an AI-driven world.

Edited excerpt:
With the rising demand for data, how are you addressing the carbon footprint associated with data storage and processing?

The increasing demand for data processing inevitably leads to higher energy consumption. Our focus is on reducing our carbon footprint by optimizing energy use and integrating renewable energy sources.

We are actively shifting towards green energy solutions and have deployed 100 MW of renewable power in our data centers. Additionally, we are working closely with our vendors to ensure they adapt sustainable manufacturing practices.

What key operational initiatives are you implementing to enhance efficiency in your data centers?

We focus on three major areas:

Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE): We have significantly improved our PUE, bringing it down to 1.5 from 2.0.
Cooling Innovations: A significant portion of energy is used for cooling. We are implementing liquid cooling systems to optimize energy efficiency.
Waste Reduction: By improving infrastructure design and adopting energy-efficient practices, we are minimizing resource wastage.

Our broader aim is to ensure that every unit of energy we use is optimized to the fullest, reducing excess consumption and environmental impact.

How is innovation shaping your approach to sustainability and customer experience?

Innovation is at the core of our strategy. On the sustainability front, we are pioneering solutions that integrate cloud computing with energy-efficient cooling mechanisms. This is crucial as workloads increase and energy demands rise.

On the customer experience side, we are adopting a problem-solving approach. By aligning our strategies with real-world use cases—such as banking, where core operations rely on our data centers—we ensure that our services directly enhance end-user experiences. The key is to approach innovation with a customer-first mindset, solving problems that directly impact businesses and individuals.

What are the biggest challenges you face in growing and scaling your data center operations?

One of our biggest challenges is talent development. The data center industry is highly complex, requiring expertise in infrastructure, energy management, and manufacturing. We operate in environments where safety, efficiency, and interdisciplinary knowledge are critical.

Finding and nurturing skilled professionals who can manage this intricate ecosystem is an ongoing challenge. We are investing in talent across metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas to bridge this gap. The goal is to create a workforce that can adapt to the evolving technological landscape and sustain long-term growth.

What is your vision for Sify Technologies in the next five years, especially as digital transformation accelerates across industries?

Our vision is centered on enabling the global shift towards digital transformation and artificial intelligence. We are committed to supporting this journey by expanding our infrastructure and ensuring we have the capacity to meet the rising demand for data processing and storage.

Our goal is to enhance digital infrastructure across multiple cities, expanding beyond metros we will be rolling out AI inferencing facilities in Tier II, III cities starting with Lucknow.

Any final thoughts on the future of data centers and the role they will play in digital transformation?

Data centers are the backbone of digital transformation. As every company becomes a technology-driven entity, the demand for secure, sustainable, and efficient data infrastructure will continue to grow. Our focus is on ensuring that our growth is not just about expansion but about creating a smarter, greener, and more resilient digital ecosystem.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, companies like Sify Technologies are striving to balance scalability with sustainability in data center operations. By driving innovation, enhancing energy efficiency, and prioritizing customer-centric solutions, they are leading the way in digital transformation. With a strong focus on sustainability and scalability, these companies remain committed to building a responsible and future-ready digital ecosystem.

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Originally published in ET.com/ETedge-insights.com