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Business primary factor holding back faster deployment. [ Note: Since this discussion, a comprehensive RFQ for private-sector grid expansion has been announced ].
The disconnect between where digital demand concentrates and where renewable energy resources are abundant presents a significant continental challenge.
Roberts noted the disconnect between digital demand hubs like Johannesburg and renewable energy sources located elsewhere. He cited examples like Inga Dam( 32GW) and Kenya’ s geothermal resources, but questioned the viability of hosting core systems in remote regions due to latency and trust issues.
AFRICA AS A GREEN DATA PROCESSING HUB: INFRASTRUCTURE IS KEY On the potential for Africa to position itself as a green data processing hub, Abel affirmed the continent ' s immense natural resources, particularly sunlight and wind. However, he reiterated the critical barrier: infrastructure.
“ The key barrier is infrastructure – getting power to where it’ s needed," Abel stated. He highlighted the need for approximately 14 000km of new transmission infrastructure in South Africa, a rate significantly higher than current construction. This deficit is even more pronounced across the rest of Africa.
" Data centre developers and energy users must adopt a longterm strategic view of future power demands, fostering intersectoral collaboration to build robust and sustainable energy solutions rather than chasing short-term fixes " – Ben Roberts, co-founder of Lipagas.
While different models might be employed, interconnectivity, especially between regional power pools like the Southern African Power Pool( SAPP), East African Power Pool( EAPP), and West African Power Pool( WAPP), is crucial. Abel noted that while Envusa is focusing on South Africa and eyeing the SAPP as a next step, the full viability of these larger interconnections for substantial energy transfer is still several years away. RACA
The panel.
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