Microsoft, G42 Announce Geothermal-Powered Data Center in Kenya
Initial phase will cost $1 billion and help the software giant expand its cloud computing operation in East Africa.
Microsoft and G42 plan to build the data center in Olkaria, which is located in a region with abundant geothermal resources.
Photographer: Patrick Meinhardt/BloombergMicrosoft Corp. and G42, the United Arab Emirates’ top artificial intelligence firm, are joining forces to build a $1 billion geothermal-powered data center in Kenya, the initial phase of a multiyear plan to dramatically increase cloud-computing capacity in East Africa.
G42 will lead the initial investment and handle the facility’s construction in Olkaria, which has abundant geothermal resources — a key benefit in a continent plagued by power outages and a potential boon for Microsoft’s efforts to meet its climate goals. The first phase will have a capacity of 100 megawatts and is expected to be operational in about two years.