The government of Kenya has broken grounds on the first geothermal powered data centre in Africa. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi presided over the ceremony which marks the country’s bid in reducing carbon emissions.
The data center project is dubbed Olkaria EcoCLOUD Data Centre, and aptly named “Project Eagle which takes inspiration from the annual migration of eagles, emphasizing the importance of harnessing data power while safeguarding the environment. This connection to nature underscores the project’s focus on sustainability.
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Olkaria EcoCLOUD Data Centre
The project is a massive undertaking with a total capacity of 60MW, spread across three campuses. This substantial capacity is necessary to support the growing demand for data storage and processing in the region.
The data center incorporates various green design elements, such as rooftop solar power generation, minimal water usage, rainwater harvesting, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The project will be situated in KenGen Smart Industrial Park in Naivasha, which is a strategic choice that will maximise reliability while reducing competition for resources in urban areas, ensuring that data center services remain readily available to end-users.
According to Eng. Amos Siwoi, CEO of the Olkaria EcoCLOUD Data Centre, the project is about the future and innovation and underscores the broader significance of the Olkaria EcoCLOUD Data Centre. It’s not just a data center; it represents Kenya’s commitment to a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
“This project is not just about bricks and mortar or data servers; it’s about the future. The Olkaria EcoCloud Data Centre will be a beacon of sustainability and a hub for innovation within the African continent,” said CEO Siwoi.
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