Google defends Vizag AI Hub amid environment concerns

Google has defended the environmental sustainability of its proposed 1 gigawatt AI Hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, amid mounting concerns from environmentalists and activists about water and power consumption. The technology giant, through its principal in the Asia Pacific region, outlined measures to minimize ecological impact as part of its broader “Bharat AI Shakti” initiative, which includes a $15 billion investment commitment over five years starting in 2026.

Alexander Smith, Google’s Principal for Global Infrastructure and Energy in Asia Pacific, emphasized that the data center campuses planned for the AI Hub will use advanced air-cooling technology instead of water-intensive systems. “This is a deliberate design choice for the Visakhapatnam AI hub,” Smith stated in an exclusive interview. He explained that water usage would be largely restricted to non-cooling purposes such as restrooms, making the facility’s water footprint comparable to that of a standard office building. Google has also pledged to replenish 120% of the water consumed for non-cooling needs by 2030, using the Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting standard for verification.

Addressing concerns about energy use, Smith said Google will fully fund and develop new power infrastructure, including transmission lines and substations. He highlighted the company’s commitment to clean energy in India, including long-term power purchase agreements for 150 MW of new solar capacity with ReNew Energy and 125.4 MW of wind and solar projects with CleanMax. Additionally, Google plans to invest in more clean-energy projects in Andhra Pradesh, such as pumped-hydro, solar, and wind facilities.

The Visakhapatnam AI Hub is envisioned as an integrated AI infrastructure ecosystem, including international subsea connectivity, data centers, an AI Industrial Corridor, logistics infrastructure, and power facilities. Google estimates that during construction, the project will employ about 4,200 workers annually over three to five years. Once operational, each direct job is expected to support nine additional local jobs, generating around $688 million in annual local economic activity.

Environmentalists, however, remain skeptical. E A S Sarma, former Union energy secretary, cited global opposition to large data centers, noting their high electricity and water consumption. He alleged that Google chose India due to weaker environmental regulations and data sovereignty laws. The Human Rights Forum’s Andhra Pradesh unit general secretary, Y Rajesh, raised concerns about the project’s impact on local water systems and questioned whether the state’s water allocation from the Godavari through the Polavaram project would prioritize agriculture and drinking water needs.

Responding to a petition by environmentalist Bolisetty Satyanarayana, the Andhra Pradesh High Court on August 24 directed the state government to ensure all legal and environmental clearances are obtained before proceeding. The court did not halt construction but asked authorities to confirm compliance with regulations and submit a consolidated response from relevant departments.

Google maintains that the AI Hub will support India’s AI adoption, with the company stating that 92% of Indian workers already use AI tools. The project, inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in April 2026, continues to face scrutiny over its environmental and social impacts.

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