In a significant stride towards achieving 100% renewable energy, KenGen, Kenya’s leading energy company, is poised to construct a colossal wind farm in Marsabit, a region in northern Kenya, with a staggering 1000 MW capacity. This ambitious endeavor represents a remarkable leap forward in the country’s pursuit of sustainability.
Reports from Bloomberg reveal that KenGen plans to secure funding for this monumental project by seeking debt financing to cover 75% of the total investment, while the remainder will be financed through equity. Although the specific cost of the project remains undisclosed, it is poised to surpass the 310 MW Lake Turkana Wind Farm, situated in the same Marsabit area, thus earning the distinction of being the largest wind farm on the African continent.
Furthermore, this endeavor solidifies Kenya’s stature as a global leader in renewable energy, with approximately 92% of the country’s current energy capacity already hailing from renewable sources like solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric dams. The envisaged 1000 MW wind farm is projected to be operational by 2028, two years ahead of Kenya’s ambitious target to achieve 100% renewable energy production.
To ensure the project’s success and cater to evolving demands, the wind farm’s development will be carried out in phases, guided by comprehensive feasibility studies conducted by the Agence Française de Développement. These studies will factor in considerations such as increased capacity requirements and grid security.
This initiative aligns with KenGen’s revamped corporate strategy, which aims to augment the national grid by an impressive 3,000 MW within the coming decade. This expansion will effectively double the country’s existing installed generation capacity to reach 6,000 MW.
In addition to pioneering the wind farm, KenGen is actively pursuing plans for the refurbishment of its existing power plants, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability for long-term electricity generation. This forward-looking approach includes the integration of advanced technology and environmentally friendly practices to reduce the environmental footprint of power generation.
The company is embarking on a remarkable project, with an estimated budget of Sh110 billion, to establish an expansive energy park at Olkaria in Naivasha, Nakuru County. This industrial park, set to commence construction in 2025, will cater to various industries, including those involved in fertilizer production, iron and steel manufacturing, textiles, food and beverage processing, and more. The project will occupy a sprawling 1,824 hectares within the Olkaria geothermal hub, with an anticipated completion date in 2045.
KenGen’s dynamic approach to sustainable energy underscores its unwavering commitment to powering a greener, more prosperous future. The company’s continuous innovation, investment in renewable energy, and commitment to environmental responsibility position it as a driving force in Kenya’s journey towards energy sustainability and economic growth.
KenGen’s ambitious projects, such as the Marsabit wind farm and the Olkaria energy park, not only benefit the nation’s energy sector but also contribute significantly to local job creation and economic development.
