Alphabet’s Google is defending its $15 billion AI data hub in Visakhapatnam, India, after local communities protested its potential environmental impact. [4, 5, 13] Residents and activists warn that the gigawatt-scale facility could strain the region’s already scarce water and power resources. [5, 13]
Google says the data center, its largest AI hub outside the U.S., will use advanced air-cooling technology instead of water-based systems to reduce water use. [3, 5, 7] The company is developing the project with the Adani Group and has pledged to fund required power-grid upgrades and invest in local clean energy. [3, 4, 12]
The facility is a key part of Google’s AI infrastructure strategy and is scheduled to become operational in 2028. [3, 14]