In a period where local companies are striving to reduce the amount of money they spend on power bills, more organizations seem to adopt the idea fully.
East Africa Data Centre (EADC) is embracing the trend after a partnership with Distributed Power Africa (DPA), a renewable energy solution company that is also part of Econet Global group of companies. The collaboration will see DPA install solar panels on EADC premises, a development that will enable it move toward achieving 100% dependency on renewable energy.
EADC says it will save KES 4.5 million annually once the program goes live.
Among the spaces that will be fitted with solar panels include rooftops, pathways and the company’s car parking bay as well as other free spaces to maximize solar power output. The development purposes to serve the facility during day time and as power backup in case of power blackout from Kenya Power.
It is worth noting that this development goes in line with EADC’s plans to go green and mitigate the effects of global warming and dependence on fossil fuels to generate power.
Data centres consume up to 3% of global electricity supply. Similarly, this consumption appreciates at about 4% annually.
“We are now powering EADC with renewable energy standing at 72.6 per cent, allowing us to host, connect and support critical data for local and international companies,” said Dan Kwach General Manager, East Africa Data Centre.
“Solar power for commercial and industrial use is becoming more and more popular because it is a renewable energy source, now available at a competitive price such that when it is combined with power storage, provides viable energy reliability as an alternative to the grid,” said Norman Moyo, DPA CEO.
“This solar project is a 25-year asset that is specially designed for mature telco processes and systems, and through our operational management, maximise the output against its expected lifespan.”
DPA will be in charge of all installation fees. However, EADC will be charged a monthly charges for the services offered.
The project will go live in 6 months’ time.
