In a bold move to combat rising energy costs and promote sustainability, Rack Centre, West Africa’s leading carrier-neutral data centre, has announced a strategic transition to a hybrid power model that combines gas and solar energy. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to reducing operational expenses, minimizing carbon emissions, and ensuring uninterrupted data services in an increasingly energy-demanding digital economy.
Nigeria’s data centre industry, like many others across Africa, has long battled with high energy costs due to unreliable grid supply and dependence on diesel generators. With power accounting for up to 40% of operating expenses, sustainability and efficiency have become top priorities. Rack Centre’s hybrid model represents a significant shift—moving away from diesel dependency towards cleaner, more reliable energy alternatives.
The new system integrates natural gas-powered generation with solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, creating a resilient energy mix that guarantees 24/7 uptime. Natural gas provides a steady, low-emission base load, while solar energy offsets daytime consumption and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. This hybrid setup not only stabilizes energy costs but also aligns with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards—a key requirement for international investors and enterprise clients.
According to Rack Centre’s management, the decision is both strategic and visionary. “Energy resilience is critical to our operations,” a company spokesperson noted. “By integrating gas and solar, we’re not only cutting costs but also taking a leadership role in sustainable data centre operations across Africa.”
The move comes at a time when Nigeria’s electricity tariffs are climbing, and fuel price volatility continues to pressure businesses. Rack Centre’s investment in hybrid infrastructure is expected to deliver long-term cost savings, improve operational reliability, and reduce its carbon footprint by up to 25% in the first year.
Industry analysts view this as a model for other African data centres seeking sustainability without compromising performance. As digital transformation accelerates across the continent, energy innovation will be essential to meeting the growing demand for cloud computing and data storage.
Rack Centre’s hybrid power shift is more than a business decision—it’s a statement of intent, signaling a future where Africa’s digital growth is powered sustainably.
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