# Govt cites nuclear power law, BIS standards to address AI data centre strains

2026-08-06T22:55:48+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

India's data centre capacity has surged more than fourfold in six years, from 375 MW in 2020 to about 1,575 MW. This week, the government told Parliament it is tackling the environmental impact of AI infrastructure through renewable energy schemes, a new nuclear power law, and technical standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on August 5, cited the Green Energy Open Access Rules and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act. However, the reply did not specify how much of data centres' power demand these initiatives would meet, nor did it provide a timeline for adopting BIS standards on energy, cooling, and water use.

## Coverage

- medianama.com <https://www.medianama.com/2026/08/223-govt-nuclear-power-law-bis-standards-ai-data-centre-strains/>
- thenewsminute.com <https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/no-separate-environmental-clearance-framework-for-ai-data-centres-union-govt>

Tags: AI data centres, MeitY, nuclear power, renewable energy, water use
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