Pan African Data Centres and Cloud Solutions Africa hosted a webinar. This article is part four of a six-part series.
The industry stands poised to overcome energy challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and development across the continent. Macrovector | Freepik.com
In a bid to explore the burgeoning role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of data centres, the Pan African Data Centres and Cloud Solutions Africa jointly organised a webinar titled ‘AI – The driving force of future data centres’. The virtual event delved into the remarkable advancements in data centre density and the pressing need for energy efficiency and sophisticated cooling solutions.
The webinar, hosted by Amy Hopkinson, conference producer of the Pan African Data Centres 2024 event, featured a distinguished panel of industry experts:
- Vanessa Moffat, EMEA Channel Partner manager at EkkoSense
- Samuel Chukwukereuba, Data Centre manager, Project Implementations at Digital Realty
- Niraj Shah, Sales and Business Development director at IX Africa
- Keith Sullivan, director of Strategic Innovation at AFL
As the discussion unfolded, the panellists delved into the intricate dynamics of managing energy challenges in the context of African data centres, particularly with the advent of AI-driven workloads. Their insights shed light on the diverse strategies employed to ensure operational resilience and sustainability.
Keith Sullivan underscored Kenya’s favourable energy landscape, with a remarkable 90% reliance on renewable energy sources. He emphasised the significance of factors such as hydroelectric and geothermal power in supporting the region’s burgeoning digital infrastructure. Sullivan highlighted Kenya’s ambitious plans for public-private partnerships aimed at improving transmission infrastructure, thereby enhancing grid resilience and mitigating potential power disruptions.
Niraj Shah echoed Sullivan’s sentiments, emphasising the unique socio-economic and technological landscape of Africa. He highlighted the challenges posed by legacy transmission infrastructure, noting ongoing efforts to modernise and expand transmission networks to support the growing demands of data centres. Shah emphasised the need for collaborative initiatives and investment in advanced technologies to address transmission challenges effectively.
The panellists acknowledged the critical role of reliable power supply in supporting AI-driven data centre operations. While generation capacity in Africa is generally sufficient, challenges related to transmission and distribution infrastructure remain a focal point for improvement. Shah highlighted Kenya’s strides in renewable energy production, positioning the country as a promising destination for AI-driven data centre investments.
Despite the challenges posed by energy costs and infrastructure limitations, the panellists emphasised the imperative of adopting sustainable practices and embracing green energy solutions. They emphasised the need for a holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing both environmental and economic considerations.
In conclusion, the panellists expressed optimism about Africa’s potential to emerge as a hub for AI-driven data center innovation. By leveraging renewable energy resources, investing in transmission infrastructure, and fostering collaborative partnerships, the industry stands poised to overcome energy challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and development across the continent.
