Inside the $30 Billion Plan for the World’s Largest Data Centre

Reliance Industries has embarked on an ambitious endeavour to construct the largest data centre in the world, envisioning a sprawling multi-gigawatt facility in the coastal city of Jamnagar, Gujarat. This monumental project first came to light in September of the previous year, and recent reports suggest that it could ultimately hold the title of the world’s largest data centre.

While the specifics of the Jamnagar data centre remain somewhat elusive, it is confirmed that Reliance intends to power this cutting-edge facility entirely with renewable energy sources. The centre will leverage a combination of solar, wind, and hydrogen energy, all harnessed through various projects currently in development in the vicinity.

According to Bloomberg, the proposed data centre will feature an impressive capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW). To realise this grand vision, Reliance is prepared to invest a staggering sum ranging between $20 billion to $30 billion, marking a significant commitment to not only large-scale data storage but also sustainable energy practices.

This initiative aligns with Reliance’s recent partnership with Nvidia, which was announced last year. Together, they aim to innovate AI supercomputers within India, including the development of large language models (LLMs) tailored to accommodate the nation’s rich linguistic diversity. Their collaboration also emphasises the construction of robust AI infrastructure throughout India.

Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance, has been vocal about his preference for leveraging the best technology available. He has expressed admiration for Nvidia’s Blackwell hardware, describing it as the pinnacle of technological advancement.

Supporting this technological shift, the Indian government has made significant strides by committing over $1.16 billion to bolster the nation’s AI ecosystem through investments in startups and various AI initiatives. However, the Indian chipmaking industry is still in its nascent stages, facing challenges in establishing semiconductor fabrication plants and cultivating a skilled workforce. As of now, India has yet to produce its first domestically manufactured chip.

Reliance’s ambitious plan adds it to a growing roster of companies vying to claim the title of the world’s largest data centre. This competitive landscape includes notable contenders such as Meta, which is developing a facility in Richland Parish, Louisiana, as well as Tract’s project in Phoenix, Arizona, and a proposed site by celebrity investor Kevin O’Leary in Wonder Valley, Alberta, Canada, among others.