In 2019, Kenya installed a 50 MW solar power plant connected to the national grid in the country’s northern part. Over a year since its launch, the plant has already changed many lives for the better.
Shops and businesses are flourishing in Garissa and other north African counties as residents savor a consistent power supply in an area well-known for power blackouts, which would last for days leading to protests.
The plant was built by China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic & Technical Co-operation (CJIC) and Kenya’s Rural Energy Authority (REA). It is the largest grid-connected solar power plant in East and Central Africa, making Kenya one of the top investors in renewable and clean energy.
Hannington Gochi, a technician of renewable energy at REA, explained:
Initially, Garissa was running on diesel power generators, which were expensive and unreliable. To better the situation, the government did a power line from Kindaruma to Garissa to connect the area to the national grid.
While the situation improved, it wasn’t a long-term solution. It became sensible to benefit from the region’s high solar intensity to support the line from Kindaruma and the grid. Therefore, they constructed the $122 million (13.58 billion shillings) mega solar plant in Garissa, which is now one of Africa’s largest photovoltaic electricity stations.
President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the project on Dec.15, 2019, announcing that it was part of Kenya’s renewable energy strategy to produce 400 MW from solar. This isn’t an unrealistic target, as Kenya is naturally gifted with extensive solar resources. The country is ranked among the top 10 highest in sub-Saharan Africa due to its equator position.
Businesses, households, and artisans (like those with welding workshops) have connected to the region’s grid and have greatly benefited from the power supply. “With steady power and low cost of electricity, Garissa can invest in industries and businesses,” said Gochi.
The project provides direct and indirect job opportunities for the residents, positively impacting the population and Garissa. “The panels require cleaning twice a year, and since the project is spread on 85 acres, people are hired to do the cleaning in the larger facility and under the solar panels so that the undergrowth does not affect power output,” explained Gochi.
The plant contributes approximately 2% of power to the national energy mix, which also includes hydro, thermal, and geothermal. It has significantly reduced energy costs, which has promoted the nation to increase solar energy development, particularly for home systems, but industries are also embracing clean and affordable electricity.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter points out that the solar energy sector’s growth is connected to the Kenya National Electrification Strategy, which aims to enable universal access to electricity by 2022.
Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency predicts that solar photovoltaic energy will comprise 47% of mini-grids and off-the-grid power generation systems in sub-Saharan Africa by 2040.
