Africa Data Centres, associated with Cassava Technologies, and DPA Southern Africa have initiated the construction of a solar farm in the Free State, marking a key step in their collaborative effort. This project is part of a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement signed with DPA Southern Africa in March 2023, aiming to supply renewable energy to its facilities, starting with the Cape Town data centre, CPT1.
The project underlines Africa Data Centres’ commitment to combating South Africa’s energy challenges with sustainable solutions, highlighting a shift towards eco-friendly practices within the industry. The initial phase of the project includes developing a 12MW solar facility to support the Cape Town centre, with plans to extend services to the Johannesburg centres, JHB1 and JHB2, pending municipal agreements.
Tesh Durvasula, CEO of Africa Data Centres, emphasized the move towards using renewable energy to achieve carbon neutrality. Similarly, Nawfal El Fadil, CEO of DPA SA, noted the shared commitment to sustainability and innovation in establishing the solar farm. The project not only contributes to carbon neutrality efforts but also sets a precedent for green energy solutions in South Africa. This initiative aligns with Africa Data Centres’ goal to become the most sustainable colocation provider in Africa, further supported by their adherence to the ISO50001 standard for efficient data centre operation.