In Short : India is considering dedicated ‘green feeders’—renewable energy-only transmission lines—to supply 90% clean power to emerging sectors like green hydrogen production and data centres. The move aims to decarbonize industrial growth, support 24/7 renewable power delivery, and attract green investments. This initiative aligns with India’s net-zero goals and its push for sustainable infrastructure development.
In Detail : India is exploring the development of dedicated ‘green feeders’ to supply up to 90% renewable energy to high-growth sectors such as green hydrogen production and data centres. These feeders would exclusively transmit power generated from solar, wind, and other clean sources, helping to ensure reliable and sustainable energy supply for energy-intensive industries.
The concept is being considered as part of a broader strategy to promote round-the-clock renewable energy use, especially for sectors critical to India’s economic and digital future. Data centres and green hydrogen plants require continuous power and are increasingly under pressure to reduce their carbon footprints.
By establishing dedicated green feeders, the government aims to decarbonize these sectors without relying on fossil fuel-based backup power. This would also make it easier to certify their operations as green, improving their competitiveness in global markets where carbon intensity is closely monitored.
Green hydrogen, seen as a vital fuel for hard-to-abate sectors, demands a high volume of electricity for electrolysis. Ensuring that this electricity comes from renewable sources is crucial for the hydrogen to qualify as truly green under global standards.
Data centres, too, are growing rapidly due to surging demand for cloud services, AI applications, and digital storage. These facilities consume large amounts of electricity and are prime candidates for renewable energy integration through direct, clean transmission.
The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy are reportedly in discussions to define the framework and regulatory requirements for these green feeders. This includes identifying infrastructure needs, incentives, and mechanisms to guarantee high renewable content in the power supplied.
The initiative is also expected to attract investments from global technology firms and clean energy developers who are increasingly looking for low-carbon supply chains and infrastructure. A green power guarantee could become a key enabler in site selection and operational planning.
If implemented effectively, the green feeder model could become a cornerstone of India’s strategy to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2070, while supporting its ambitions to be a leader in both digital infrastructure and clean energy technologies.
