India’s First CEL-ESDS Green Data Hub in Ghaziabad

In a major push towards digital infrastructure and sustainability, the foundation stone and Bhumi Pujan were performed today for a state-of-the-art Green Data Centre at Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. This project is a joint initiative between Central Electronics Limited (CEL) — a Government of India Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) — and ESDS, a private technology partner. With a projected capacity of 30 megawatts (MW) and an investment of approximately ₹1,000 crore, this Green Data Centre marks a significant step in India's journey towards becoming a self-reliant digital power.

The Green Data Centre is being developed as an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible facility. It incorporates sustainable technologies such as smart cooling systems, reflective roofing, and rainwater harvesting. Designed to meet Tier III/TIA/Uptime-compliant standards—which ensure high availability and operational reliability—it will support up to 200 high-density racks per floor, and feature a 40 Gbps ring fiber network with dual 10 Gbps links for seamless cloud connectivity and disaster recovery.

This centre is poised to become a hub for startups, enterprises, and government agencies, fostering local innovation, creating skilled employment, and enhancing digital resilience. It aligns with the principles of green infrastructure, which aims to minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency and performance.

In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, highlighted the strategic importance of the data centre, describing it as a “milestone” in India’s digital transformation. He also announced the upcoming establishment of a Biotechnology Industrial Park in Lucknow, along with plans for a Startup Conclave in Uttar Pradesh post-Independence Day — underscoring the state’s emergence as a centre of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Singh praised Central Electronics Limited (CEL) for its pivotal role in advancing solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in India. Established in 1974 to commercialize indigenous technologies from Indian R&D institutions, CEL made history by introducing India’s first solar cell in 1977, years before solar energy gained global traction. CEL has played a vital role in bringing solar-based electricity solutions to remote and tribal regions of Uttar Pradesh, bridging the energy divide through renewable power.

Despite facing a severe financial crisis and being on the verge of disinvestment in recent years, CEL underwent a remarkable turnaround through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It was recently awarded "Mini Ratna" status, a recognition of its improved performance and strategic importance.

Beyond renewable energy, CEL has made significant contributions to defence, railways, and public safety. Dr. Singh highlighted CEL’s development of critical components for defence applications, including its role in supplying radar systems for the Akash Missile System, which proved vital during Operation Sindhoor. He emphasized CEL’s role as a trusted innovation-driven manufacturer across key sectors, stating it serves as a model of revival, resilience, and strategic collaboration for other PSUs.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commended CEL for its broad impact, extending far beyond defence. He noted CEL’s contributions to digital literacy and railway safety, and its role in building critical infrastructure that supports inclusive development across underserved regions.

Dr. Singh also spotlighted recent scientific achievements from Indian research institutions. These include the 108-petal lotus genetically developed by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), the cultivation of out-of-season tulips by the Palampur Institute used during the Ram Temple consecration, and the Surya Tilak phenomenon—a celestial engineering feat by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, which directed sunlight precisely onto Lord Ram’s idol. In addition, during this year’s Kumbh Mela, the Department of Atomic Energy set up three faecal sludge treatment plants, processing over 1.5 million tonnes of waste, significantly improving hygiene and preventing disease outbreaks at one of the world’s largest gatherings.

In conclusion, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the importance of a collaborative national mission in achieving the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047”, urging synergy between government institutions and private enterprises to fully unlock India's scientific and technological potential.

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