Geothermal energy is a clean and stable renewable energy source that could play an important role in the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in Kenya. Following Apple, Google, and TikTok, Microsoft has now also been charmed by the country's geothermal potential.
The provision of clean and cheap energy is crucial for powering the infrastructures necessary for AI, such as data centers, servers, and communication networks. Given its rich geothermal resources, Kenya has strong ambitions to attract massive investments from AI operators.
In this perspective, a first project in the pipeline at Microsoft offers great hopes to the Kenyan government. The American firm has just announced its intention to build a one-billion-dollar geothermal data center in Kenya. This initiative is part of Microsoft's efforts to promote environmental sustainability through the use of renewable energy sources such as geothermal energy. The data center will be located near Hell's Gate National Park and will be powered by local geothermal energy, which will reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. Microsoft's involvement in the geothermal sector could boost the adoption of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in Kenya.
Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source that uses the earth's heat to produce electricity. In Kenya, geothermal energy has become a priority for the government, especially given the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence worldwide.
This East African country has the second-largest geothermal potential in the world, after the United States. The country has several promising geothermal sites, particularly in the Rift Valley, a geologically active area. Currently, Kenya produces about 700 megawatts of electricity from geothermal energy, which represents about a quarter of its total electricity production.
The main geothermal power plant in the country is located in the Menengai region, near the city of Nakuru. This plant, operated by KenGen, the country's leading electricity production company, has an installed capacity of 105 megawatts and provides electricity to millions of Kenyans.
In addition to the Menengai plant, Kenya plans to develop new geothermal projects in other regions of the country, including Olkaria, Suswa, and Baringo. These projects will help increase the country's electricity production capacity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In doing so, these resources are necessary for the development of AI based on clean energy. This is what attracts tech giants who see this country as a high-potential tech hub. Besides TikTok, which has already announced the opening of a Kenyan office, Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Visa are considering investments in the country. Not only for its geothermal energy but also for the Kenyan tech market due to its young and increasingly connected population, as well as the depth of the information and communication technology sector in the country.
