Microsoft and G42 to Build Geothermal-Powered Data Center in Kenya

Kenya is set to become home to a cutting-edge, renewable energy-powered cloud data center, fueled entirely by geothermal energy. This ambitious project is a collaboration between Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), Microsoft, and G42, a UAE-based AI and cloud computing company.

The $1 billion Microsoft-G42 Olkaria data center campus, scheduled to break ground in Q3 2024, represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s digital transformation.

The East Africa Cloud Region, expected to go live within 24 months, will provide scalable, secure, and high-speed cloud computing and AI capabilities, accelerating innovation across Kenya, East Africa, and the entire continent.

KenGen, the project’s host, will leverage its iconic Olkaria geothermal fields to power the data center campus. This sustainable approach aligns with Kenya’s commitment to renewable energy and environmental stewardship.

The country boasts an impressive installed geothermal capacity of about 980MW, ranking seventh globally in geothermal power generation.

The park’s masterplan envisions a vibrant ecosystem of offices, research and development centers, hospitality spaces, and more, all powered by clean geothermal energy.

This landmark project not only redefines industrialization in the region but also positions Kenya as a leader in sustainable data infrastructure.

The East Africa Cloud Region will offer Microsoft Azure cloud services, powered by G42’s green data centers, providing a robust foundation for digital transformation across various sectors.

KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO, Peter Njenga, affirmed the company’s readiness to provide the necessary green energy to power the project.

This initiative follows another groundbreaking ceremony last year for a Tier IV Data Center at the KenGen Green Energy Park, further solidifying the park’s role as a catalyst for industrialization and sustainable development in the region.

The geothermal-powered cloud data center in Kenya is a landmark project with far-reaching implications. It demonstrates the potential of renewable energy to power large-scale data infrastructure and highlights the growing importance of sustainable solutions in the digital age.

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