A geothermal-powered data centre estimated to cost US $1bn is set to be constructed in Kenya. US IT giant Microsoft and UAE-based artificial intelligence company G42 announced a partnership for the development with the support of the Kenyan, UAE, and US governments.
The project, a result of Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto’s recent state visit to the US, aims to bolster Kenya’s digital economy and position the country as a digital leader in East Africa. The facility will be set up in Olkaria, within the Rift Valley in Nakuru County, western Kenya.
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Olkaria is a prime location due to its substantial geothermal energy resources, currently generating over 800 MWe, with the potential estimated at 10,000 MWe across the Kenyan Rift Valley. The facility will harness this geothermal energy, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly power source for its operations.
The data center will utilize Microsoft Azure, Microsoft’s robust cloud application platform, housing approximately 4 million computer servers. Advanced water conservation technologies will be integrated into the infrastructure, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The center will have a capacity of 1 GW, making it a significant addition to the region’s digital infrastructure.
The collaboration will see the establishment of an innovation laboratory to focus on AI model development in local languages and to provide training in digital AI skills. Investments in connectivity and secure cloud services across East Africa will be made in partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy. The cloud access project is expected to stimulate economic growth and technological advancement in Kenya and the broader East African region.The data center is expected to become operational within 24 months, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey towards a sustainable and digitally empowered future.