Climate change, an opportunity to build Green DCs?

White Paper

Climate change, an
opportunity to build Green
DCs in Africa ?
White Paper

APL DATA CENTER Written by the Lab-by-APL

and the Africa Data Centres
106 avenue Marx Dormoy Association
92120 MONTROUGE
FRANCE

Tél : +33 1 84 25 62 11

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Climate change, an opportunity to build Green DCs?
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written by

Dr. Georges OUFFOUE

Head of Lab-by-APL at APL Data Center

Georges has over a decade of invaluable international

expertise in research and consulting. He earned his Ph.D.
in computer science from Paris-Saclay University.

In 2019, Georges assumed the role of research manager

at APL DATA CENTER, where he played a pivotal role in
shaping the Lab-by-APL, the innovation department of
APL. His professional topics span cloud computing,
sustainable IT, and Green Datacenter. Georges has
written numerous publications and white papers in
esteemed conferences and journals.

Additionally, Georges as a managing consultant, has

undertaken over 20 consulting missions for top-tier
enterprises, including companies listed on the CAC 40
index (over 70%).

Dr. Jean-Philippe AKPOUE

Project Manager at APL Data Center

With 8 years of experience, Jean-Philippe is a senior

consultant adept in sustainability, innovation, green
datacenter and managing project strategies. He is skilled
in global sustainable strategy, Knowledge, and digital
transformation.

Additionally, Jean-Philippe holds a PhD in quantitative

ecology at Paris Sorbonne University, and an MBA
curriculum courses from INSEAD Paris with 4-month
training. He joined APL datacenter since 2021 for
consulting and knowledge team at Lab-by-APL.

His work history includes collaboration with over 15

prominent international organizations and contributing
to large-scale projects and driving business innovation
initiatives with both national and international
dimensions.

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Summary

I. Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................3
II. Climate change, It impact on infrastructure and renewable Energy in Africa .............................................4
II.1. Reminder on the African climate and its diversity ......................................................................................4
II.2. Impact of climate change on African infrastructures, with emphasis on Data Centers (DC) .....6
II.2.1. Climate change in Africa ...............................................................................................................................6
II.2.2. Climate change impacts on Infrastructures ..........................................................................................8
II.2.3. Moving towards resilient infrastructures ...............................................................................................8
II.3. Renewable energy sources as solution for resilient datacenter ............................................................9
II.3.1. Africa energy production, supply, and electricity access .................................................................9
II.3.2. Development of renewable energy in Africa ..................................................................................... 11
II.3.3. Potential of various renewable energies in the African context ................................................ 14
III. Conclusion and perspectives ........................................................................................................................................ 18
IV. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................................................. 19

Illustrations
Figure 1 : Spatial distribution of monthly-accumulated precipitation (mm) over Africa during 1983–2014
from gauge-based, satellite-based, and reanalysis data. (a) Precipitation means; and (b) precipitation
standard deviation .........................................................................................................................................................................4
Figure 2 : Spatial distribution of drought events over Africa during 1983–2014 averaged from the gauge-
based, satellite-based, and reanalysis data for different drought categories. (a) All; (b) moderate;(c) severe;
and (d) extreme drought. The demarcations in (a) delineate the climate subregions of Africa. ........................5
Figure 3 : Global warming and precipitation and temperature in Africa. ................................................................7
Figure 4 : Total energy supply by source in Africa in 2021 ......................................................................................... 10
Figure 5 : Population without access to modern energy services in Africa ......................................................... 10
Figure 6 : Renewable electricity generation by source (non-combustible), Africa, 2021 ............................... 11
Figure 7 : African energy capacity in green electricity production by country in 2022 ...................................... 12
Figure 8 : Total renewable energy capacity in Africa 2012-2022 .............................................................................. 13
Figure 9 : Africa's installed renewable energy capacity 2010-2020 by technology ............................................. 13
Figure 10 : Power generation capacity additions in Africa in the Sustainable Africa Scenario, 2011-2030
............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Figure 11 : Share of solar PV and wind in electricity generation in selected African and other countries in
the SAS ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Figure 12 : Hydropower installed capacity and additions by country and plant type in Africa in the SAS
............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16

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I. INTRODUCTION

T he surge in data center construction in Africa is fueled by the rapid increase in

digital demand, with the increase of Internet penetration in Africa in 2024 from 26.7% for
Eastern Africa to 67.8% for Northern Africa (we high rate) and also 42.3% in Western Africa1.

Despite challenges such as limited access to reliable electricity and high connectivity costs, the
growth potential is immense, with forecasts showing the African data center market could be
worth $3 billion by 20252, thereby significantly contributing to Africa's digital economy.

This momentum positions data centers as a key sector for the continent's future development,
marking Africa as an attractive emerging market for information and communication
technology (ICT) and digital infrastructure investments.

This ambitious expansion highlights two critical concerns:

- firstly, the suitability of Africa's diverse climate for data center operations, especially
given their significant energy demands in climate change situation,
- and secondly, the exploration of sustainable energy options, such as solar power,
hydraulic… to meet these needs in an environmentally and economically practical way.

Recent decades have seen unprecedented changes in the climate, characterized by significant
shifts in precipitation patterns, atmospheric and ocean warming, rising sea levels, and
increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases. These alterations present profound challenges
to urban infrastructures, notably data centers, which play a pivotal role in humanity's
progression towards Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI). The design, performance, safety,
and even the resilience of these facilities is intricately linked to environmental conditions. From
their first design—where they are conceived to withstand certain climatic actions—to their
operational safety and performance, datacenters are continuously influenced by the
environment. Notably, they are vulnerable to failure under extreme climatic events.

Africa, however, stands at the forefront of experiencing severe climate impacts, more so than
most other regions, despite contributing minimally to the global issue. Hosting nearly a fifth of
the world's population, the continent accounts for less than 3% of global CO2 emissions related
to energy and has the lowest per capita emissions in the world.

This article aims to explore the implications of climate change in Africa on data center
infrastructure, emphasizing the adoption of sustainable energy sources as a strategy for
reducing carbon emissions in the data center sector across the continent.

1
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-deep-dive-the-state-of-internet-adoption
2
https://www.csis.org/analysis/role-agoa-accelerating-africas-digital
transformation#:~:text=By%202025%2C%20the%20value%20of,internet%20connections)%20in%20the%20region

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II. CLIMATE CHANGE, IT IMPACT ON INFRASTRUCTURE

AND RENEWABLE ENERGY IN AFRICA

II.1. Reminder on the African climate and its diversity

C ommon stereotypes about Africa often include a narrow view of its climate,
typically imagining it as uniformly arid. However, Africa's climatic conditions are far more
diverse than these generalizations suggest, encompassing a wide range of environments
beyond just dry areas.

The provided Figure 1 from Lim Kam Sian et al. 2023 offers a detailed illustration of Africa's
precipitation patterns from 1983 to 2014. In Map (a), we see the total average annual
precipitation across the continent, with figures reaching as high as 250 millimeters, revealing
the typical rainfall levels in various regions. Map (b) delves deeper, comparing the average
annual precipitation shown in Map (a) with the fluctuating precipitation rates seen over the
years (the standard deviation from the mean, offering insight into the consistency or variability
of rainfall in different African locales).

Figure 1 : Spatial distribution of monthly-accumulated precipitation (mm) over Africa

during 1983–2014 from gauge-based, satellite-based, and reanalysis data. (a)
Precipitation means; and (b) precipitation standard deviation3

The Mediterranean climate in Africa stretches from the Maghreb coast down to the Cape region
in the continent's south. This climate zone is known for its moderate temperatures, influenced
by the calming sea breezes. Characterized by hot, dry summers, this climate also experiences
low-intensity and sporadic rainfall, which is beneficial for both the natural environment and the

3
Lim Kam Sian et al. 2023

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inhabitants. The varied climates of Africa, coupled with the challenges posed by climate change
can complicate the expansion and construction of data centers across the continent. This raises
the question of how climate change influences or affects infrastructure development in Africa
?

Figure 2 : Spatial distribution of drought events over Africa during 1983–2014 averaged
from the gauge-based, satellite-based, and reanalysis data for different drought
categories. (a) All; (b) moderate;(c) severe; and (d) extreme drought. The demarcations
in (a) delineate the climate subregions of Africa4.

Figure 2 illustrates the geographical spread and monthly occurrence of droughts in Africa,
categorized into three severities: moderate, severe, and extreme. Figure 2 (a) shows the
quantification of the frequency of these drought events, with rates fluctuating between 10 and
35. Notably, it highlights that droughts tend to last longer in the southern and northern regions
of the continent. This visualization serves as a key tool for understanding the variability and
intensity of drought conditions across different African regions.

Figures 1 and 2 collectively prove Africa's diverse climatic conditions, encompassing equatorial,
continental, dry, oceanic, and desert climates. This diversity leads to varied seasonal patterns
across different regions of the continent.

4
Lim Kam Sian et al. 2023

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Two elements characterize primarily the equatorial climate: elevated temperatures and high
humidity levels. The humid tropical climate receives significant rainfall during more than 6
months5 on the year. The rainy season therefore occupies a large part of the year in the center
of the African continent. Temperatures are high, they can go up to 30°C but the humidity is
constant6. The thermal contrasts are not very pronounced. The dry tropical climate is a very
continental climate. The sea does not influence it or the proximity of the tropics. It affects the
savannah on the African continent. It is between 25°C and more than 40°C all year round.

II.2. Impact of climate change on African infrastructures, with

emphasis on Data Centers (DC)

II.2.1. Climate change in Africa

The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report7 provides a comprehensive overview of climate

change impacts and projections for Africa, emphasizing significant regional variations:

Africa has experienced more rapid temperature increases compared to the global average,
primarily due to human-induced climate change. Both hot extremes, including heatwaves, and
a decrease in cold extremes are noted, with projections showing these trends will continue
throughout the 21st century. There's been an increase in marine heatwaves since the 20th
century, with projections showing a further increase around Africa. The relative sea level around
Africa has risen faster than the global mean sea level over the last three decades, expected to
contribute to more frequent and severe coastal flooding and erosion. The frequency and
intensity of heavy precipitation events are projected to increase across Africa with further
global warming. These changes are expected to worsen flooding and drought conditions in
various regions.

Regional specifics include :

• The Mediterranean (North Africa) faces decreases in mean precipitation and

increases in aridity and fire weather conditions.

• The Sahara and Sahel are likely to see increases in heavy precipitation and flooding.

• West and East Southern Africa have seen decreases in mean precipitation, with
projections showing increased aridity, drought conditions, and fire weather conditions.

• Central Africa has seen decreases in mean precipitation and an increase in droughts,
with heavy precipitation and flooding expected to rise.

5
https://www.climats.com/geographie/afrique.html
6
https://www.marcovasco.fr/afrique/guide-afrique/climat
dafrique.html#:~:text=L'Afrique%20est%20travers%C3%A9e%20par,d'altitude%20sont%20plus%20temp%C3%A9r%C3%A9es
7
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/factsheets/IPCC_AR6_WGI_Regional_Fact_Sheet_Africa.pdf

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• Northeastern Africa projects increases in heavy precipitation and a potential decrease

in meteorological drought at higher global warming levels.

• Southeastern Africa and Madagascar are expected to experience more intense heavy
precipitation events and an increase in the severity of tropical cyclones.

• West Africa has observed increases in river flooding and droughts, with projections
indicating an increase in meteorological droughts at higher warming levels.

Figure 3 : Global warming and precipitation and temperature in Africa8.

• The West African Monsoon is expected to see varied changes, with an increase in
precipitation over the Central Sahel and a decrease over the far western Sahel,
alongside a shift in the monsoon season timing.

Overall, the report underscores the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation strategies to
address the impacts of climate change across Africa.

8
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/factsheets/IPCC_AR6_WGI_Regional_Fact_Sheet_Africa.pdf

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II.2.2. Climate change impacts on Infrastructures

C limate change stands as a formidable threat to infrastructure worldwide, with

urban centers in Africa facing unique vulnerabilities. The rise in average temperatures, shifts
in precipitation patterns, and the increase in extreme weather events contribute to the
escalating structural stress on urban infrastructure.

Buildings have become vulnerable to climate change because of their design because they
cannot resist the increased impacts of climate change, or because of their location where the
frequency of extreme events has risen. Increased temperature due to global warming has led
to higher thermal stresses and increased corrosion of steel structures due to an increased rate
of infiltration of harmful substances9.

Data Centers, crucial infrastructure for the digital economy, are particularly at risk due
to their reliance on stable environmental conditions for best performance. The
intensification of heatwaves compromises cooling systems, while increased variability in
temperature and humidity levels strain their structural integrity. This evolving climate paradigm
needs a re-evaluation of current design and maintenance practices to bolster resilience against
these climate-induced challenges.

For Data Centers in Africa, climate change manifests in increased cooling demands and
heightened risks of infrastructure damage. Higher ambient temperatures directly translate to
elevated operational costs, as energy consumption surges to support necessary cooling levels.

Moreover, the structural components of Data Centers, typically designed for static climatic
conditions, may not withstand the dynamic loads induced by climatic extremes. This includes
the potential for increased thermal stresses and corrosion rates, especially in coastal areas
where salinity amplifies corrosive processes. Data Centers must thus be conceived with
adaptive design standards that predict and mitigate the deteriorating effects of a changing
climate.

II.2.3. Moving towards resilient infrastructures

Building climate-resilient infrastructure in Africa requires an integrated approach that

combines robust structural design with sustainable energy solutions. For Data Centers,
this could involve adopting energy-efficient cooling technologies and sourcing power from
renewable energies, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the datacenters heat
footprint. Innovative materials like eco-materials10 and construction techniques that increase
durability and thermal efficiency can also play a critical role.

9 Towards the effect of climate change in structural loads of urban infrastructure: A review (Varun M. et Al 2023)
10 https://imtech.imt.fr/en/2018/05/29/what-is-eco-material/

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For example, with the right cooling technologies11 and innovative architectural designs
that consider the local context, it is possible to support optimal temperatures for server
operation and be energy efficient with a PUE12 close to that of the world. Successful
examples in similar climates, such as parts of the Middle East, prove this feasibility.
Incorporating predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring ensures that the infrastructure
can adapt to the immediate impacts of climate variability. Ultimately, a forward-looking
perspective that embraces both mitigation and adaptation strategies will be key to
safeguarding Data Centers against the multifaceted implications of climate change.

II.3. Renewable energy sources as solution for resilient datacenter

II.3.1. Africa energy production, supply, and electricity access

A s a reminder, more than 640 million Africans do not have access to energy,
which corresponds to an access rate of just over 40%, the lowest level in the world13.
Today, more than three-quarters of all the people in the world that lack access to electricity
and more than a third that lack access to clean cooking fuels and/or technologies are in Africa.
These shares have been increasing in recent years14. Figure 4 : Total energy supply by source in
Africa in 2021 shows the Total energy supply by source in Africa for 2021. The energy sources
and their corresponding percentage shares are as follows. We can see that coal, oil and natural
gas represent 50 percent of energy supply in Africa in 2021.

Also, Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources of energy and minerals. They include
fossil fuels, exports of which have been an important source of income and a driver of economic
growth for decades, and critical minerals, which are vital to many clean energy technologies
such as batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.

About electricity access (Figure 5 : Population without access to modern energy services in
Africa) in Africa, according to UNCTAD's latest report on energy access in sub-Saharan Africa,
the installed capacity of the electricity generation fleet is 131.5 GW (2021), 68.25 GW if we do
not consider South Africa, which represented, in 2021, almost half of the subcontinent's
installed capacity (63.28 GW). Installed capacity has increased by 29% since 2015 (25%
excluding South Africa). Energy access for all is therefore one of the key drivers of inclusive
growth as it creates opportunities for women, youths, children both in urban and rural areas.
Access to energy is crucial not only for the attainment of health and education outcomes, but
also for reducing the cost of doing business and for unlocking economic potential and creating
jobs. Insufficient energy access manifests itself in hundreds of thousands of deaths annually

11 How to Reduce Water Consumption in Data Center Cooling Systems (apl-datacenter.com)

12 PUE-Climate-Hydrogen-in-African-DCs-White-paper.pdf (africadca.org)
13
African Development Bank (AfDB)
14 https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/220b2862-33a6-47bd-81e9-00e586f4d384/AfricaEnergyOutlook2022.pdf

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due to the use of wood-burning stoves for cooking; handicaps the operations of hospitals and
emergency services; compromises educational attainment; and drives up the cost of doing
business. Energy access also create opportunity for internet connectivity infrastructures
construction to support digital transition on the continent15. Thus, the World Bank Group and
African Development Bank Group are partnering on an ambitious effort to provide at least 300
million people in Africa with electricity access by 203016. This will help all economic sectors in
Africa include Datacenter field.

Figure 4 : Total energy supply by source in Africa in 2021

Figure 5 : Population without access to modern energy services in Africa17

15 https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2024/01/18/digital-transformation-drives-development-in-afe-afw-
africa#:~:text=Over%20160%20million%20Africans%20gained,payment%20between%202014%20and%20202
16
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/04/17/new-partnership-aims-to-connect-300-million-to-electricity-
by-2030
17 Electricity access: IEA (2022a); clean cooking: WHO (2021) and IEA estimates for 2020-2021

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II.3.2. Development of renewable energy in Africa

In the context of digitalization and globalization, data centers play a crucial role but are
also significant energy consumers18, primarily due to their power supply and cooling
requirements for best operation. Therefore, considering the varied climatic conditions and
climate change described earlier, it is essential to find an energy source and a carbon-neutral
cooling method to help the development of eco-friendly data centers. As a result of Africa
energy mix and climate change challenges, it would be necessary to increase energy
production, especially low-carbon or green energy, at the risk of subtracting the little that is
already not sufficient for local populations.

The good news is that some players are already taking this step in Africa with solar
energy in countries where it is possible to power their DCs19. Renewables such as solar
panels, wind turbines and hydroelectric dams generate electricity without burning fuels that
emit greenhouse gases and other pollutants. As the costs of solar panels and wind turbines
have fallen dramatically in recent years, renewables now represent the cheapest source of new
electricity generation in many parts of the world and specifically in Africa.

Figure 6 : Renewable electricity generation by source (non-combustible), Africa, 2021

Figure 5 shows for 2021, the sources of Renewable electricity generation by source (non-
combustible). With 77% production of hydro power. In fact, hydropower is set to remain a
major source of flexibility for Africa’s power systems. It provided 16% of Africa’s
electricity output in 2020 with 90% of hydropower generation located in sub-Saharan
Africa, mainly in Angola, DRC, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Zambia20. With minimal
greenhouse gas emissions, water movement driven by solar energy and gravity through natural
processes like the water cycle, tides, and ocean currents. Figure 7 shows the planned projects
would boost Africa’s hydro capacity to nearly 60 GW.

18
https://www.arcep.fr/la-regulation/grands-dossiers-thematiques-transverses/lempreinte-environnementale-du-
numerique/etude-ademe-arcep-empreinte-environnemental-numerique-2020-2030-2050.html
19
PUE-Climate-Hydrogen-in-African-DCs-White-paper.pdf (africadca.org)
20
https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/220b2862-33a6-47bd-81e9-00e586f4d384/AfricaEnergyOutlook2022.pdf

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Figure 7 : African energy capacity in green electricity production by country in 2022

presents a comparison of green energy capacities across various African nations, measured in
gigawatts.

South Africa tops the chart, boasting an energy capacity exceeding ten gigawatts. Egypt and
Ethiopia are also notable, each with around six gigawatts of capacity. The graph includes other
countries like Angola, Morocco, and Zambia, each having an energy capacity ranging between
2 and 4 gigawatts. An interesting observation from the list is that four of the top five countries
have coastal access and many rivers. This geographical feature might contribute to the
prevalence of hydropower as a sustainable, carbon-free energy source in these nations.

Figure 7 illustrates the gigawatt capacity of renewable energy (represented in green) in Africa
from 2012 to 2022 and Figure 9 : Africa's installed renewable energy capacity 2010-2020
by technology. We see a growth trend on these graphs, although we need further
enhancement. Prior to selecting an energy source for powering new data centers, it is crucial
to conduct preliminary strong studies.

These include assessing water availability for hydropower, analyzing the intensity and annual
duration of sunlight for solar energy, and evaluating the strength and consistency of wind in
the targeted area for wind turbines, among others.

Figure 7 : African energy capacity in green electricity production by country in 202221

21
https://www.irena.org/Data

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Figure 8 : Total renewable energy capacity in Africa 2012-202222

Figure 9 : Africa's installed renewable energy capacity 2010-2020 by technology23

22
https://www.irena.org/Data
23
https://www.irena.org/Data

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II.3.3. Potential of various renewable energies in the African context

Africa is rich in renewable and decarbonized energy resources, e.g. bioenergy, solar and
wind. For example, solar and wind power could be transformed into hydrogen to serve energy
demand in Africa as well as to generate income through exports24.

In the Africa Energy Outlook 2022, the IAE (International Energy Agency) proposed a
Sustainable Africa Scenario (SAS) in which Africa rides these shifting tides to achieve all
African energy-related development goals on time and in full. This includes universal
access to modern energy services by 2030 and the full implementation of all African climate
pledges. Realizing all these goals is a formidable undertaking. African countries need to take
the lead with clear strategies and policies, while international institutions must reinforce their
commitment to significantly increase their levels of support.

Figure 10 : Power generation capacity additions in Africa in the Sustainable Africa Scenario,
2011-2030 shows that demand for energy services in Africa is set to grow rapidly and
maintaining affordability remains an urgent priority. As Africa’s population and incomes
grow, our Sustainable Africa Scenarios sees demand for modern energy expanding by a third
between 2020 and 2030. Some industrial sectors adopt the latest, most efficient technologies.25

Figure 10 : Power generation capacity additions in Africa in the Sustainable Africa Scenario, 2011-2030

According to IAE, a profound transformation of the electricity system is central to Africa’s

clean energy transition. Africa needs to generate 575 terawatt-hours (TWh) more in 2030
than in 2020 to meet the increase in electricity demand projected in the SAS, an average rate
of growth of 5% per year. Over the past decade, most of the increase in demand was met by
natural gas, followed by hydropower. The increase in generation between 2020 and 2030
comes largely from low-cost solar PV and other non-hydro renewables.

24 PUE-Climate-Hydrogen-in-African-DCs-White-paper.pdf (africadca.org)
25 https://geopolitique.eu/en/2022/06/29/africa-has-the-most-to-gain-from-clean-energy-transitions/

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Solar energy uses the power of the sun to produce electricity. However, it tends to be
more expensive than other renewable sources like wind energy. Figure 6 shows the share
of solar PV and wind in electricity generation in selected African and other countries in the
SASA model of IAE. We can see that, share of variable solar and wind in total power generation
in Africa jumps from 3% in 2020 to 27% in 2030 – close to levels in many parts of Europe today.

Figure 12 : Hydropower installed capacity and additions by country and plant type in
Africa in the SAS shows the forecast of Hydropower capacity from 2000 to 2030. We are
seeing an increase of almost 300% in this production capacity. Hydropower balances the
provision of electricity supply and flexibility, along with their key role in managing irrigation,
water supply and flood control. These functions become increasingly important as climate
change makes drought and flood cycles more severe and persistent in parts of the continent.

This, in turn, limits the availability of hydro for flexibility purposes: dams may need to run in
by-pass mode during floods, when power production is at its maximum, leaving no flexibility,
and may need to conserve water during droughts, limiting throughput. Harmonized flooding
and drought management protocols, established in concert with all water users, like
datacenters owner for their water-cooling system, are crucial to ensure the coordinated action
of operators located in a shared river basin. Investment is needed to expand storage capacity
and for technical improvements to improve resilience and optimize hydropower operations
during extreme hydrological events (US DOE, 2021). In addition, operation and maintenance
strategies need to be improved to enhance the reliability and operating performance of hydro
plants: many plants today underperform or are falling into disrepair.

Africa has also:

- Wind energy captures the kinetic energy of air currents around the Earth.
- Biomass energy: refers to organic matter from living sources, such as wood, used for
energy production.
- Geothermal energy : sourced from the Earth's internal heat, is employed for heating,
cooling, and electricity generation.
- And Hydrogen production

Due to its expansive land and abundant natural resources, Africa has vast potential to produce
low-carbon hydrogen from renewables at relatively low cost. Significant strides have already
been taken to position Africa at the heart of green hydrogen developments. The establishment
in 2022 of the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance between Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco,
Namibia and South Africa (six of the key countries leading green hydrogen efforts on the
continent) was coupled with the launch of the European Union's Repower EU Plan.

This plan, focused on accelerating renewable energy development, includes targets to import
up to ten million tons per year of green hydrogen, much of it from Africa. Africa is uniquely
positioned to become a major producer of green hydrogen. The continent is blessed with some
of the world's greatest solar and wind potential, much of which is currently undeveloped. The

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International Energy Agency estimates that Africa has 60 percent of the world's best solar
resources, but so far accounts for only 1 percent of global solar generation capacity26.

Figure 11 : Share of solar PV and wind in electricity generation in selected African and other countries in the SAS

Figure 12 : Hydropower installed capacity and additions by country and plant type in Africa in the SAS

26
https://www.whitecase.com/insight-our-thinking/africa-focus-winter-2023-green-hydrogen

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As discussed in earlier sections, climate change is a global reality, with particularly pronounced
effects in Africa. The continent is experiencing significant impacts across various sectors,
including infrastructure projects like data centers.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Africa not only currently produces low-
carbon energy but also has vast potential reserves. In response, political measures have been
implemented to enhance the availability of renewable energy, helping both residential areas
and industries. These initiatives are especially crucial for supporting infrastructures such as data
centers, which are vital for the digital transition that has accelerated since the onset of COVID-
19.

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III. CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES

A frica possesses the potential to emerge as a significant player in the data

center industry, even in the face of climate and energy-related challenges. Through the
adoption of effective green building strategies and collaborative efforts with experts,
the continent can surmount these obstacles and position itself favorably on the global
digital landscape.

To translate these ambitious eco-data center projects into reality, it is highly advisable
to engage in partnerships with professionals in data center design.

This aligns with ADCA's commitment to minimizing the environmental footprint of their
data centers by employing green energy solutions and using the expertise of the most
accomplished data center professionals across the continent.

This article is the first in a series of upcoming articles aimed at highlighting the impact
of climate on data centers and the need for adaptability.

Study by the Lab-by-APL and ADCA 18 / 20

Climate change, an opportunity to build Green DCs?
White Paper

IV. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Paul-François CATTIER, ADCA, Managing Director

Achille SARR, APL Data Center, ADCA Member

Business Development Director | Africa at APL Data Center

Khalid TOUIRS, APL Data Center, ADCA Member

Project Manager at APL Data Center

Remy MAGNIN, APL Data Center

Intern at APL Data Center

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