Datacenters – Andhra Pradesh Strengthens Power Network for Digital Expansion
Datacenters – The Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled an extensive power transmission strategy aimed at supporting the rapid growth of digital infrastructure projects in and around Visakhapatnam. The initiative is designed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for upcoming hyperscale data centres, cloud computing facilities, and artificial intelligence-driven operations expected to play a key role in the region’s economic future.
Government Reviews Long-Term Infrastructure Needs
The roadmap was finalized during a high-level review meeting conducted through video conferencing from Vidyut Soudha. Senior officials from the energy, information technology, industrial development, and power distribution departments participated in the discussions. The meeting focused on preparing the state’s electricity network to accommodate the rising requirements of large-scale technology investments.
Speaking during the review, Energy Department Special Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand said Andhra Pradesh continues to attract attention from major technology firms and infrastructure developers seeking locations for advanced digital projects. According to him, the state’s proactive planning approach is intended to create a reliable environment for investors looking to establish long-term operations.
Data Centres Expected to Drive Future Growth
Officials emphasized that digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for economic development. Just as ports, highways, and airports supported industrial expansion in previous decades, data centres are now expected to serve as critical assets for the digital economy.
The government believes that dependable power availability will be one of the deciding factors for companies investing in large computing facilities. To address this requirement, authorities are expanding transmission capabilities in advance rather than waiting for actual power demand to emerge. This strategy is expected to reduce future bottlenecks and improve investor confidence.
Major Companies Show Interest in Vizag Region
The Visakhapatnam region has already attracted proposals from several leading national and international technology companies. Among the organizations linked to upcoming digital infrastructure investments are Google, Reliance, TCS through its HyperVault initiative, CtrlS, and GMR.
According to estimates prepared by APTRANSCO, a total of 16 significant data centre projects are currently under various stages of development across the region. Collectively, these facilities are projected to require approximately 9.1 gigawatts of direct information technology power consumption once operational.
Electricity Demand Expected to Rise Sharply
Authorities estimate that overall electricity requirements will increase substantially when supporting infrastructure and global operational standards are taken into account. Based on current projections, total power demand linked to the digital ecosystem could approach 15 gigawatts by the 2036-37 financial year.
To prepare for this anticipated growth, APTRANSCO has developed a phased transmission expansion plan. The proposal includes the creation of an integrated network consisting of 765 kV, 400 kV, and 220 kV transmission systems. These facilities will connect key substations located at Pendurthi, Maradam, Achyutapuram, Palasa, Padmanabham, and Makavaripalem.
Officials said the network is being designed to reliably handle more than 15 gigawatts of data centre-related demand by 2034 while also allowing room for future capacity additions.
Rambilli Cluster Receives Special Focus
One of the central components of the strategy is the proposed Rambilli Data Centre Cluster. To support planned investments in the area, the government intends to establish a dedicated 400/220 kV substation along with high-capacity transmission lines and supporting power corridors.
According to officials, uninterrupted and high-quality electricity remains essential for maintaining the operational standards required by modern digital infrastructure facilities. The latest transmission roadmap is expected to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s position as a preferred destination for technology-driven investments while supporting the long-term expansion of the state’s digital economy.