Microsoft Corp. and G42, a leading artificial intelligence firm from the United Arab Emirates, have recently announced plans to build a $1 billion geothermal-powered data center in Kenya. This initiative marks the beginning of a multiyear strategy to enhance cloud computing capacity in East Africa. The geothermal-powered data center in Kenya is set to revolutionize the region’s digital infrastructure and promote sustainable development.
Harnessing Geothermal Energy for Sustainable Development
The geothermal data center will be located in Olkaria, an area rich in geothermal resources, making it ideal for a sustainable energy project. G42 will lead the initial investment and oversee the construction of the facility. In its first phase, the data center is expected to have a capacity of 100 megawatts and become operational within two years.
Boosting East Africa’s Digital Infrastructure
Microsoft’s participation will establish a new East African region for its Azure products, significantly enhancing service offerings for local customers. Currently, the closest Microsoft data center for Kenyan users is in South Africa. This new facility will reduce latency and improve service reliability, supporting the Kenyan government’s plan to move more services to the cloud.
The data center complex will provide artificial intelligence services and extend cloud services to neighboring countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
“This is the single biggest step to advance the availability of digital technology in, I think, the country’s history,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith, according to Bloomberg. He further explained:
“This shows what G42 and Microsoft have the opportunity to do together that neither one of us could do separately. I frankly think it shows that what the United States and the United Arab Emirates can do together that helps bring technology to new countries, especially across Africa.”
Geopolitical and Economic Implications
The announcement coincides with Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to Washington, hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to strengthen ties with Africa amidst increasing investments from Chinese companies like Huawei Technologies Co.
President William Ruto
and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto
arrive at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington D.C, received by First Lady of the United States of America Jill Biden with full ceremonial state honors, as the 3-day State Visit to the U.S officially kicks off today. pic.twitter.com/VX9phxVUNW
— Sam Terriz (@Terriz_Sam) May 22, 2024
In April, Microsoft committed $1.5 billion to G42, facilitated by the Biden administration to limit Chinese access to AI technology. As part of this agreement, G42 has agreed to sever ties with Chinese companies and adopt U.S. technology, including Microsoft’s Azure, for its AI applications.
How Will This Geothermal Data Center Impact East Africa?
The geothermal-powered data center in Kenya by Microsoft and G42 is a groundbreaking step towards sustainable development and digital transformation in East Africa. This initiative not only enhances the region’s digital infrastructure but also exemplifies international collaboration for technological advancement. We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and comments on this significant development in the tech world.
Photo by Amani Nation on Unsplash
