Friday 8 March 2013

Kenya invests £4.3m for off-grid renewable projects

Kenya invests £4.3m for off-grid renewable projects

Kenya’s state owned utility firm has announced plans to invest KES560 million (£4.3m) for off-grid renewable energy projects in the country.

Kenya Power will develop solar and wind projects in the country’s North Eastern and Rift Valley provinces in areas that rely on diesel to generate electricity that are not connected to the national grid. The renewable energy projects are expected to cut diesel fuel consumption and help save KES50 million (£0.4m) every year.

Henry Gichungi, Deputy Manager in charge of Off Grid stations said the company has so far commissioned eight solar and wind projects with a total installed capacity of 1MW. He said plans are underway to increase renewable energy capacity in off-grid areas by 2.3MW.

Mr Gichungi added: “Kenya’s geographical location astride the equator gives it a unique advantage for a solar energy market. The country receives good solar insolation all year round coupled with moderate to high temperatures which makes it a conducive market for solar.”

The projects are part of the Government’s strategy to increase access to electricity in all parts of the country.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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