Tlou Energy and Kala Data are considering expanding the Kala Data Centre in Botswana following its initial operations, which began generating revenue at a proof-of-concept scale after commissioning in February 2026.
According to Tlou Energy’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2026, the commissioning demonstrated an integrated process linking gas production and gathering with on-site electricity generation and power supply to the data centre.
The initial operating phase also provided technical data that could help identify improvements in gas supply, power-generation reliability and data centre capacity utilisation.
Tlou Energy executive chairman Dr Ian Campbell said the facility was designed to support power capacity of up to approximately 1MW. However, operations remained significantly below this level because of limited gas availability from the connected production well and the facility’s early stage of development.
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During the latter part of the reporting year, work focused on monitoring and optimising the performance of the gas gathering system, generators and associated electrical equipment.
The company also began planning a dedicated gas pipeline to connect the Lesedi 6 production well to the data centre’s power-generation system. If constructed and successfully commissioned, the pipeline could provide additional gas to support the facility.
“The timing and outcome of this work are subject to funding, detailed design, required approvals, construction and the performance of the Lesedi 6 well,” he said.
Campbell said the initial project was intended to build operational experience and provide a foundation for assessing potential future expansion. However, any expansion would depend on several technical and commercial considerations.
“Any expansion will depend on a number of factors, including sustainable gas availability, technical performance, funding and commercial requirements,” he said.
Under the existing arrangement, Kala Data owns and operates the data centre equipment, while Tlou Energy supplies gas for on-site power generation. The potential expansion will therefore depend on reliable gas supply, operational performance and the ability to secure the necessary funding.
