Kenya’s Renewable Energy Sector Boosted: Sh 700Mn Set Aside To Develop Hybrid Stations

In a bid to reduce insufficient power supply and overdependence on thermal energy, Kenya Power has set aside Sh 700 million for use in renewable energy projects which will be done through the development of hybrid power generation systems.

General manager, Infrastructure Development and Network Management David Mwaniki said that Kenya Power has set aside 23 mini-grids for hybridization with renewable energy, mainly solar and wind energy.

This reaffirms the country’s commitment to boost renewable energy, the country already established itself as a leader with the launch of Africa’s largest wind power firm; 70% of its electricity comes from renewable sources.

The planned hybridization of off-grid stations entails integration of modern, small-scale wind turbines and solar-powered mini-grids as a way of strengthening the electricity supply.

This project is expected to improve access to electricity, especially in rural areas. Its also seen as an opportunity to provide safe, secure and reliable electricity for economic and social development in areas not served by the national grid.

“Providing access to sufficient and reliable electricity will help sustain the productive and income-generating activities of local communities in order to spur growth, create jobs and alleviate poverty in rural areas.

“Energy is an enabler to the realization of economic development and as Kenya Power, our focus is to ensure power supply of reliable and maintain a robust network,” he said.

At the same time, Kenya Power announced that it has committed Sh3 Billion in the 2019/2020 budget to update and rejuvenate the grid to increase its reliability.

The project has been financed by the French fund for development (AFD).

Featured Image Courtesy: www.kenyanengineer.co.ke