Kenya has signed a landmark agreement with the United Arab Emirates to develop the world’s first data center powered by geothermal energy.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Kenyan data center solutions leader EcoCloud and Emirati artificial intelligence (AI) innovator G42.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Kenyan President William Ruto and UAE Ambassador to Kenya Salim Ibrahim Binahmed Mohamed Alnaqbi.
This project marks a significant step towards a more sustainable digital future for Kenya and the region.
“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,” said Eng. Amos Siwoi, CEO of EcoCloud.
G42’s Group CEO, Peng Xiao, echoed this sentiment, stating:
“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.”
Kenya boasts vast untapped geothermal resources, and the initial phase of the project will see the construction of a 100-megawatt (MW) facility.
This capacity is planned to be scaled up significantly in the future, reaching a total of 1 gigawatt (GW) at full capacity.
The data center is expected to reduce Kenya’s reliance on fossil fuels, leading to lower carbon emissions and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
By leveraging geothermal energy, the project paves the way for a greener and more sustainable future for Africa and beyond.
