Sustainability has become an important talking point for tech companies in the past, and they’re not going to stop innovating on that front anytime soon. At the start of 2025, industries worldwide are racing to adopt cleaner, more efficient and sustainable technologies. From India’s bold push into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and record renewable capacity additions to data centers pursuing advanced efficiency strategies, eco-conscious solutions are increasingly taking centre stage.
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Refurbished gadgets are also gaining traction, offering both affordability and environmental benefits. India, in particular, is witnessing a boom in second-hand smartphones – highlighting a broader global shift toward responsible tech consumption. Read on to explore the top three sustainability tech trends shaping 2025.
1) India’s sustainability push
India is actively advancing its sustainable energy initiatives, with a particular focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable energy expansion through 2025. The government has mandated a 1% SAF blending in jet fuel by 2025, requiring approximately 140 million liters annually. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector and promote the use of indigenous feedstock and technology.
In the renewable energy sector, India is set to add a record 35 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind energy capacity by March 2025, boosting its clean energy push after falling short of its 2022 target. This expansion aligns with India’s goal to increase its non-fossil power capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
Additionally, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced a major initiative to bolster its renewable energy portfolio by setting up two renewable energy plants in Tamil Nadu. This development aligns with the company’s ambitious target of achieving the RE100 benchmark by 2025. These concerted efforts underscore India’s commitment to a sustainable energy future, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security.
2) Datacenter efficiency intensifies
As data centers expand to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, enhancing their efficiency has become a critical focus through 2025. The surge in AI applications necessitates data centers with capacities of 500 megawatts or more, significantly increasing energy consumption. To address this, companies are investing in advanced power and cooling infrastructure to manage higher computing densities. For instance, AirTrunk is installing a 1-megawatt rooftop solar system at its Malaysian data center, marking its first renewable energy project in the region.
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Additionally, the industry is exploring innovative solutions like small nuclear reactors to power data centers, as announced by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. However, renewable energy sources are often considered quicker and more cost-effective alternatives. The integration of AI and cloud computing is also prompting utilities to rely on natural gas and coal to meet the rising electricity demand, potentially delaying the transition to clean energy. These developments underscore the industry’s commitment to improving data center efficiency while balancing the challenges of increased energy consumption and the transition to sustainable energy sources.
3) Refurbished tech FTW
Also read: India’s refurbished gadget market: Growth, challenges, and future prospects
In India, the refurbished gadgets market is poised for substantial growth in 2025, driven by increasing consumer awareness and economic factors. The perception of refurbished gadgets has evolved significantly, with expectations of 2x growth by 2025. This shift is primarily driven by a confluence of factors, including affordability and environmental consciousness. The refurbished gadgets market in India is propelled by two primary consumer segments: budget-conscious consumers aspiring for premium devices and environmentally conscious individuals. The former segment seeks affordable yet quality devices, primarily in Tier II and Tier III cities, while the latter, predominantly in urban areas, are driven by sustainability concerns.
As the market matures, a convergence of these segments is observed, with increasing environmental awareness and growing disposable incomes leading to a larger consumer base that values both affordability and sustainability. Overall, India’s refurbished gadgets market is not only growing rapidly but also leading in terms of volume growth compared to other markets. A report by ICEA and IDC predicts the second-hand smartphone market to reach 51 million units by 2025, valued at $4.6 billion. These developments underscore a significant shift in consumer behavior, with refurbished gadgets becoming a mainstream choice in India’s technology landscape.
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Jayesh Shinde
Executive Editor at Digit. Technology journalist since Jan 2008, with stints at Indiatimes.com and PCWorld.in. Enthusiastic dad, reluctant traveler, weekend gamer, LOTR nerd, pseudo bon vivant. View Full Profile
