G42, a technology conglomerate headquartered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has joined forces with EcoCloud, a Kenya-based provider of eco-friendly data center solutions, to develop a 100 MW data center fueled by Kenya’s abundant geothermal energy.
According to a press release, the data center, harnessing Kenya’s untapped reservoir of 10 gigawatts of geothermal energy, represents a pioneering endeavor in both scale and ambition.
It signifies a paradigm shift towards green energy-driven digital infrastructure, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and exemplifying environmental stewardship.
In a LinkedIn announcement, EcoCloud highlighted the partnership as a testament to their commitment to leveraging renewable energy sources, particularly geothermal power, to foster sustainable progress across Africa.
Situated at the KenGen Smart Industrial Park in Naivasha, the data center aims to set new benchmarks for environmentally conscious infrastructure while laying the groundwork for the integration of artificial intelligence in Kenya and the wider region.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Eng Amos Siwoi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EcoCloud, and Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, took place in the presence of Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto and Dr Salim Ibrahim Binahmed Mohammed Alnaqbi, the UAE Ambassador to Kenya.
Eng Siwoi expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing its significance in advancing sustainability and innovation.
Adding that, “By harnessing geothermal energy, the partnership not only addresses the region’s data requirements but also establishes a new benchmark for environmentally conscious infrastructure.”
He further reaffirmed EcoCloud’s dedication to a greener, more sustainable future for Africa and beyond.
On his part, Mr Xiao echoed Eng Siwoi’s sentiments, underscoring the strategic partnership with EcoCloud as a milestone in merging cutting-edge technology with sustainability.
“The geothermal-powered data center represents a pivotal step towards realizing Kenya’s potential as a global digital hub and fulfilling G42’s mission of democratizing access to intelligence worldwide.”