Equinix’s New Solar Project With CleanMax: A Game-Changer in Sustainable CX
Today’s digital businesses face a real challenge: How to deliver excellent customer experiences while committing to sustainability. Data centers power our digital world, but their energy use often comes with a heavy carbon footprint. Now, a significant shift is underway that blends effective digital infrastructure with clean energy. Let’s explore Equinix’s recent commissioning of a Group Captive Solar project in India with CleanMax—and what it means for customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX) moving forward.
Driving Real-World CX and EX Challenges
Digital services’ reliability, speed, and sustainability increasingly shape customer expectations. Companies strive to meet these demands while addressing environmental responsibilities. However, data centers require massive power, historically dependent on fossil fuels. This power demand translates to high operational costs and environmental impact, which can impact brand reputation and talent retention.
Equinix’s initiative—commissioning 26.4 MWp of solar capacity as part of a larger 33 MW captive renewable energy project—is a robust response to these concerns. Set up under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with CleanMax, this project will power Equinix’s data centers in Mumbai and reduce carbon emissions by over 30,000 tonnes annually. The capacity is enough to energize more than 30,000 Indian households yearly.
Sustainability Commitment Boosts CX Credibility
Manoj Paul, Managing Director, India, Equinix, emphasized that this solar project is a milestone in achieving 100% renewable energy coverage across Equinix’s global operations by 2030. More importantly, it reinforces Equinix’s commitment to sustainability and offers customers in India renewable energy coverage for their deployments.
By integrating clean energy in its core infrastructure, Equinix is minimizing its carbon footprint and building trust with eco-conscious clients. For CX professionals, this creates a new pillar of brand value—aligning with customer values beyond product performance and service quality. Clients become partners in sustainability, enhancing loyalty and differentiating the brand in competitive markets.
A Data-Driven Sustainability Success Story
The captive power project comprises 26.4 MWp of solar and 6.6 MW of wind capacity, becoming fully operational in phases during 2025. This initiative supports India’s renewable energy goals while enabling Equinix to benefit from cost savings via certain grid charge waivers for captive consumers.
Research shows data centers produce significant carbon emissions, with coal-powered electricity averaging about 1000 g of CO2 per kWh. Renewable sources emit as low as 50 g CO2 per kWh across their lifecycle. Switching to renewables sharply cuts emissions and operational costs, essential for future-proofing operations amid rising energy prices and stricter regulations.
Moreover, renewable energy use is correlated with enhanced operational stability and energy efficiency—both critical for delivering seamless digital experiences. Equinix’s integration of solar and wind energy demonstrates a strategic move toward operational excellence that supports CX and EX alike.
Expert Commentary: The Growing Role of Renewable Energy in Digital Infrastructure
Experts in the field highlight that data centers adopting renewable energy not only help combat climate change but also improve customer perception and stakeholder trust. Sustainable operations attract and retain employees who value corporate responsibility, thereby improving EX outcomes.
Kuldeep Jain, Founder and Managing Director of CleanMax, explains that captive power projects allow companies like Equinix to optimize costs and comply with emerging sustainability regulations. These projects create scalable renewable energy solutions that meet growing digital infrastructure demands while advancing environmental goals.
For customer experience leaders, such partnerships set new standards for environmental accountability. Incorporating sustainability into CX strategies drives stronger emotional connections with customers and enhances brand advocacy.
Actionable Insights for CX and EX Professionals
- Integrate sustainability into CX storytelling: Highlight renewable energy initiatives as part of brand narratives to engage eco-conscious customers.
- Measure environmental impact in CX metrics: Track how green energy adoption affects customer satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy.
- Foster employee pride in sustainability: Share updates on clean energy projects internally to enhance employee engagement and retention.
- Collaborate with energy partners: Explore captive or renewable energy PPAs to reduce carbon footprint and energy costs in operations.
- Prepare for evolving regulations: Anticipate stricter environmental rules by adopting renewable energy early to avoid compliance risks and penalties.
Conclusion: Renewable Energy as a CX and EX Catalyst
Equinix’s Group Captive Solar project with CleanMax in India exemplifies how digital infrastructure leaders can overcome core CX and EX challenges through sustainability. By powering data centers with renewable energy, Equinix strengthens operational resilience, reduces costs, and builds stronger connections with customers and employees. For CX and EX professionals, this case underscores the strategic value of sustainability—not just good for the planet but essential for future-ready customer and employee experiences.
Taking cues from Equinix’s approach, organizations must embrace clean energy solutions to meet growing expectations for responsible business practices. This path will ensure superior digital experiences, foster loyalty, and contribute to a greener future—all crucial ingredients in delivering competitive and conscious customer journeys.
