In a move poised to transform the digital infrastructure of East Africa, Microsoft and UAE’s G42 have recently announced $1 billion investment in a geothermal-powered data centre in Kenya.
Why is this investment so revolutionary? The data centre, developed in partnership with Kenya’s EcoCloud, will be located in a geothermal-rich region, utilising the country’s potential of 10 gigawatts of geothermal energy.
Initially, the facility will operate at 100 megawatts, with plans to expand capacity to 1 gigawatt, significantly reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
This initiative will leverage Kenya’s abundant geothermal resources, which are currently underutilised, to power a cutting-edge data facility aimed at boosting cloud computing capabilities across East Africa.
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The establishment of this data centre is expected to drive significant economic growth and technological advancement in Kenya. By enhancing cloud computing infrastructure, the project aims to foster innovation and create numerous job opportunities within the region. Aligning with Kenya’s goal to double its geothermal output by 2030, this initiative underscores the country’s strategic investment in renewable energy.
A Strategic Investment in Green Technology
Kenya, with its abundant geothermal reserves estimated at 10 gigawatts, provides an ideal setting for this innovative project. The planned data centre, located in a geothermal-rich region, will initially operate at 100 megawatts with potential scalability of 1 gigawatt. This development not only highlights Kenya’s commitment to renewable energy but also sets a precedent for sustainable data centres globally.
This project serves as a model for future data centres, demonstrating that environmental sustainability and technological progress can coexist. The geothermal-powered facility is expected to drastically reduce carbon emissions, highlighting a shift towards green technology in the digital economy. The partnership between Microsoft, G42, and EcoCloud exemplifies a commitment to innovative, sustainable development that promises to have a lasting impact on the region.
Voices of Leadership
Amos Siwoi, CEO of EcoCloud, emphasised the project’s importance: “Our collaboration with G42 and Microsoft marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. By harnessing geothermal energy, we are setting a new standard for eco-friendly infrastructure.”
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Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, added, “This geothermal-e-powered data centre is a significant milestone towards realising Kenya’s potential as a global digital hub and aligns with our mission of making advanced technology accessible to all.”
The collaboration between Microsoft, G42, and EcoCloud on the geothermal-powered data centre is more than an investment in infrastructure; it represents a bold vision for a sustainable and technologically advanced future. By tapping into Kenya’s geothermal potential, this project is set to propel the nation into a new era of green energy and digital innovation, paving the way for similar initiatives worldwide.
