By Patience Chat Moses
Africa Data Centres, in partnership with Distributed Power Africa (DPA) in South Africa (SA) has commenced the construction of a solar farm in the Free State.
This was revealed in a press statement issued by the Account Manager, Public Relations and Strategic Communications at Data Centres Africa, Thembisa Bambathi.
According to the statement, the first phase of the project will see power getting wheeled to its CPT1 facility while the second phase will see power being supplied to JHB1 and JHB2 once wheeling agreements with relevant municipalities conclude.
This announcement forms a crucial component of the 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) inked in March 2023 with DPA Southern Africa a joint company of the French utility, EDF.
The objective of the Free State farm is to furnish renewable energy to Africa Data Centres sites, commencing with its cutting-edge, carrier-neutral data centre in Cape Town, the CPT1 facility.
The Cassava Technologies president and group CEO Hardy Pemhiwa emphasized the role of innovative, eco-friendly practices in addressing South Africa’s energy crisis.
The project underscores Africa Data Centres’ commitment to powering its facilities with renewable energy sources, starting with the solar infrastructure in Cape Town.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Africa Data Centres,Tesh Durvasula, highlighted the company’s dedication to achieving carbon neutrality and praised the collaboration with DPA SA for contributing to this mission.
Durvasula emphasized the company’s efforts to obtain ISO50001 certification and address concerns about grid power reliance, positioning the project as a significant stride towards reaching net-zero status at all facilities.
He added that the company’s sustainability objectives encompass achieving net-zero status at all facilities, making the solar farm project another significant stride towards reaching that goal.
According to Cassava Technologies’ President, Hardy Pemhiwa, “this initiative positions Africa Data Centres as a trailblazer in the data centre industry in responding to South Africa’s energy crisis through sustainable technology solutions.
The first phase involves constructing the 12MW solar infrastructure to power our Cape Town data centre, with subsequent phases extending to our Johannesburg data centres.
The CEO of DPA SA, Nawfal El Fadil states that “Africa Data Centres, as a pioneer in the data centre industry, has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, aligning seamlessly with the company’s values.
“We are thrilled and honoured to contribute to Africa Data Centres’ mission of achieving carbon neutrality, beginning with the establishment of this solar power plant in the Free State to serve their data centre in Cape Town.
“At the heart of our collaboration lies a shared understanding that the path to carbon neutrality extends beyond infrastructure — it demands innovation, expertise, and collective determination to overcome challenges. DPA SA, backed by EDF’s legacy, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in delivering high-quality, sustainable energy solutions to this partnership.”
“We take immense pride in supporting Africa Data Centres on this journey, being among the pioneers in launching a wheeling solar plant, thereby paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in South Africa,” adds Nawfal El Fadil.
Cassava Technologies is a technology leader providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation.
Launched in 2021, the company was born out of a need to create a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.
Through its subsidiaries, namely, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid Dataport, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, Distributed Power Africa, Sasai Fintech and Telrad, Cassava is a multinational technology company that has operations across key growth markets like Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America.
Cassava provides its customers in 94 countries with offerings that will help them grow, transform, and expand their operations.
Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across the African continent.
Africa Data Centres is Africa’s largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities, known for bringing international experts to the pan-African market.
Africa Data Centres’ aim is to unveil various business opportunities and to develop a strategic network of partnerships.
DPA Southern Africa is a joint company of the French utility EDF and Distributed Power Africa. It is at the forefront of the Southern African renewable energy market for businesses, laying the foundation for a sustainable and environmentally conscious future in South Africa and beyond.