Google is developing a large-scale artificial intelligence datacentre in Andhra Pradesh, India, a project that has raised concerns over its environmental and energy impacts. Officially described as a "gigawatt scale AI hub," the facility has obtained state environmental clearances for a capacity of 2.51 gigawatts, more than double the originally announced size. This capacity represents roughly 30% of the state's current electricity consumption, in a region home to over 55 million people.

The facility will span three sites near the city of Vizakhapatnam, including a location in Tarluvada situated close to a drinking water reservoir and a wildlife sanctuary. Environmental activists have voiced worries about the potential ecological damage resulting from the datacentre’s substantial energy demands. While Google has pledged to rely on new renewable energy sources, approximately 75% of India’s power generation is still derived from coal, raising questions about the true carbon footprint of the project.

Environmental clearances for the development were granted within nine days, a speed that has prompted criticism over the adequacy of the environmental review process. Petitions challenging the approvals have been submitted to India’s National Green Tribunal and the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Petitioners argue that the environmental impact assessments were insufficient and failed to meet scientific standards. Concerns have also been expressed about local climate effects; summer temperatures in the region regularly reach around 45°C, and there are fears that heat emissions from the datacentre, together with associated deforestation, could exacerbate local warming.

Google maintains that the project will have no anticipated adverse impact on local communities, emphasizing that air-cooling technology will avoid placing additional pressure on drinking water supplies. The Andhra Pradesh government has likewise dismissed environmental objections, framing the datacentre as an essential component of India’s push to develop its digital economy and AI sector.

However, there are disputes over land acquisition practices. Some local villagers have accused authorities of forced land seizures without adequate compensation or fulfillment of promised benefits. The state government denies these claims, asserting that landholders received generous compensation and that all required legal procedures were properly followed. The project involves a partnership with India’s Adani Group, which is known for securing rapid government approvals. The total estimated investment in the datacentre is approximately $15 billion.

Among affected residents, feelings have shifted from initial enthusiasm about the economic prospects to mistrust and resistance. T Applaraju, a local villager, expressed surprise that such a data-intensive facility was being located in their region rather than in the United States, reflecting broader community concern about the project’s potential social and environmental toll.