Microsoft Corp. and G42, the leading artificial intelligence firm in the United Arab Emirates, have announced plans to build a geothermal-powered data center in Kenya. This unprecedented investment is valued at $1 billion and represents the initial phase of a multi-step operation to substantially boost cloud-computing capacity throughout East Africa.
G42 is spearheading the initial investment and will oversee the construction of the facility in Olkaria, a region rich in geothermal energy. This clean, renewable energy resource presents not only a viable solution for an area plagued by power outages but also an opportunity for Microsoft to move towards achieving its climate goals.
The first phase of this operation will provide a capacity of 100 megawatts and is projected to be functional in approximately two years. This project highlights the coupling of advanced technology with renewable energy to support digital expansion, and the realization of such plans will certainly mark a significant milestone in boosting digital capability in East Africa.
This detailed information was first published by Dina Bass and Farah Elbahrawy in Bloomberg Law on May 22, 2024.