US data center operator, Dutch energy developer plan battery-backed Botswana data center

Netherlands-based energy developer AAAS Energy and US-based data center operator ChillMine Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding for a new data center campus in Botswana. The facility would rely heavily on battery storage, with a 100 MW / 400 MWh battery energy storage system planned, co-located with a 250 MW solar PV plant.

ChillMine will act as the anchor client for the power plant, with AAAS Energy in partnership with Botala Energy, already developing the solar park in the Leupane Energy Hub and Industrial Park region, near the town of Palapye, located around 260km from the Botswana capital of Gaborone.

The companies said the facility is designed to serve AI computing, global hyperscalers, and energy-intensive computing operations. The companies said the site would also have access to natural gas projects being developed by third parties in Botswana.

“This MOU with ChillMine is a significant step in our vision to connect sustainable energy development with the digital economy,” said Maarten Mennes, Managing Director of AAAS. “By combining power from the Solar PV + BESS Project with natural gas projects in Botswana, currently being developed by third parties, we are creating a unique value proposition for global technology companies seeking to expand into Africa.”

AAAS Energy previously said the solar plant would be able to offer merchant project selling power on the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

“We are thrilled to partner with AAAS to bring our data center expertise to Botswana,” commented Brian Neirby, Co-Founder and CEO of ChillMine Corporation. “The combination of the energy infrastructure under development and our operational experience will enable us to deliver a best-in-class, high-performance data center campus that can meet the rigorous demands of the world’s most sophisticated technology users.”

The announcement does not specify the data center’s power requirements, and an MOU typically represents an agreement to explore a partnership but is not legally binding. Neither company disclosed investment figures or construction timelines.