Union Budget 2022 – Quotes on data centers and supply chain | Schneider Electric

“The growth and prowess witnessed in the data center market across the country presents enormous opportunities for businesses and industries alike to reap scalable benefits and drive growth and profit in tandem. The Union Budget 2022 presented by the honourable Finance Minister to grant infrastructure status to data centers and energy storage systems in order to facilitate financing for the industry is a step in the right direction. This intervention will be instrumental for the sector as it advances towards harnessing its increased potential and technological advancements. As we enter the new era of Digital India, we must focus on recognising, addressing, and overcoming environmental challenges, as well as developing a blueprint for navigating the future of sustainable data centre solutions. According to research conducted by JLL, the capacity of India’s colocation data center industry is expected to double by next year; 2023. This in turn, would necessitate the requirement for more than five million square feet of real estate to empower the burgeoning industry. Today’s announcement puts data center development at par with other major sectors in terms of access to long-term and low-cost credit, thereby accelerating efforts towards data localization. We will continue to align with the Government of India’s landmark Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision to promote conscious, clean, and sustainable technology solutions that are self-sufficient and driven by innovation. The solutions that we devise today will shape our future tomorrow as we envision and redefine resilience and operational excellence powered by cutting-edge technologies in data center operations of the future.” – Sachin Bhalla, VP and Country General Manager, Secure Power Division, Schneider Electric India and SAARC

“The Union Budget 2022 made a significant endeavour in addressing some of the most pivotal issues that affect the country’s economy, and the resolution provided towards these will accelerate efforts and provide opportunities towards growth. The vastly expanding supply chain market has received immense focus in the budget, and this is an active driver of the country’s economy. The new proposals put forth by the budget will ensure that greater support is rendered to bolster the existing nexus of supply chain networks across the country, and this will further embolden them towards empowering end-to-end supply chain mechanisms for local products. Not only will this contribute towards building digitally-led, future-proof supply chain networks, but will also align with our larger goal of powering an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The logistics sector is a critical enabler in achieving the goal towards becoming a $5 trillion economy. The implementation of the National Logistics Policy will aid in the elimination of several bottlenecks in the supply chain industry and chart a roadmap for a streamlined and scalable future for enterprises, industries and the greater nation. Furthermore, the development of 100 cargo terminals under the Prime Minister Gati Shakti scheme is a positive step that will not only help the industry grow but will also provide more job opportunities for our country’s youth. We are hopeful for great developments and defining new possibilities with this announcement.” – Javed Ahmad, Sr. Vice President, Global Supply Chain, International Region, Schneider Electric.

“Climate change is one of the greatest threats that affects us as a nation. This is also a significant source of concern for global security.  Given the gravity of climate change, the honourable Finance Minister’s announcement of major allocations aimed towards increasing renewable energy, empowering energy efficiency, and grid-connected energy storage will bring forward change and forge our future with actionable, result-oriented outputs. These endeavours will be instrumental in driving the greater goal of carbon-neutrality and powering a net-zero future with digitalization at core. The implementation of town planning schemes, modernization of building bylaws, and transit-oriented development for urban capacity building will have a direct contribution to the achievement of our sustainability goals. The proposal for energy efficiency in large buildings through the Energy-Service-Company-Business model, capacity-building exercises and awareness campaigns to improve healthcare infrastructure, will bolster the sector even further and bring revolutionary advancements in play. The government’s recognition of the consistent improvement of the health infrastructure over the last two years is a source of pride and motivation for every individual’s tireless efforts in mobilizing the industry and transforming its scope to become more digital, self-reliant and future-proof. The implementation of an open platform for the national digital health ecosystem, which includes digital registries of health providers and health facilities, a unique health identity, a consent framework, and universal access to health facilities, will be critical as we aim to grow from strength to strength. The initiatives announced under the Union Budget will facilitate the ongoing efforts towards the digitalisation of the sector while also enhancing the role of health-tech businesses and driving the country’s health-tech sector forward.” – Bhupesh Arora, Business Head- Digital Energy, Schneider Electric India