The integration of alternative energy sources positions Kenya as a pacesetter in green technology, particularly in the realm of data center operations.
Kenya will use geothermal energy to power data centres after Abu Dhabi-based tech firm, G42 recently inked a deal with EcoCloud, a data center company, as part of a sustainability effort.
Dubbed “Project Eagle”, the centre is set to be the first of its kind in the region, marking a significant milestone in eco-friendly infrastructure and setting new standards for data centers in Africa.
The deal was signed by Eng. Amos Siwoi, CEO of EcoCloud, and Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, in a ceremony witnessed by President William Samoei Ruto and Dr. Salim Ibrahim Binahmed Mohammed Alnaqbi, the UAE Ambassador to Kenya.
“This geothermal-powered data center is a milestone towards Kenya’s potential as a global digital hub and aligns with our mission of making AI accessible to everyone, everywhere,” Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, said.
With the demand for data centers expected to outstrip supply by 300% in the coming years across Africa and data centres requiring huge amounts of electricity, especially with the growing use of power-hungry AI-based applications, the project couldn’t have come at better time.
According to Siwoi, geothermal energy is the answer to the addressing the data needs of Africa. He said: “By harnessing geothermal energy, we are not only addressing the data needs of the region, but also setting a new standard for eco-friendly infrastructure.”
The facility, to be located at the KenGen Green Energy Park in Olkaria, has an initial planned capacity of 100 MW, with potential to expand to 1 gigawatts (GW) in the future.
It comes at a time when data center operators are under pressure to provide clean solutions to counter criticisms over their environmental impact. It will also reduce Kenya’s reliance on fossil fuels, leading to lower carbon emissions and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
In terms of geothermal energy, Kenya has exploited close to 950 MW of geothermal energy, with the Olkaria power project alone contributing 891.8 MW as of 2023. This capacity is enough to power approximately 3,800,000 homes, showcasing Kenya’s significant progress in geothermal energy utilization.
Boasting vast untapped geothermal reserves, Kenya is in the best position to harness clean energy, thus accruing a number of benefits while striking the balance between technological advancement and environmental stewardship.
Through the concerted efforts of government, private entities like EcoCloud and G42, and international support, Kenya not only aims to revolutionize its digital infrastructure but also to set a global benchmark for eco-friendly and efficient energy use in the tech domain. As Kenya continues to navigate these waters, its journey offers invaluable insights and inspiration for sustainable technology integration worldwide, heralding a new era of green infrastructure that aligns closely with global sustainability goals.
