Kenya recently brought its new 50 MW solar plant online, which means its renewable energy makes up to more than 90 percent of its energy mix, according to media reports.
Most of Kenya’s electricity demand is being met by renewable sources such as hydroelectricity, followed by geothermal sources. But Kenya’s solar energy is still small compared to other sources.
Kenya’s Ministry of Energy tweeted that the 50MW solar plant has increased the share of renewable energy in Kenya’s energy mix to more than 90 percent.
The output for annual power supply from the project is 100,000 MWH and it will meet the power demand of 70,000 households, which is equivalent to half of the population of Garissa.
The project, which was recently launched by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, was designed and developed by China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Co-operation (CJIC), by collaborating with Kenya’s Rural Energy Authority (REA).
President Uhuru Kenyatta revealed that the project, which is close to the borders of Somalia, is part of the government’s plan to generate 400 MW of electricity from solar sources.
He told the media, “We want money allocated for development to go to the right projects but not the pockets of a few people. You, the people, are our employers and you have the right to hold us as leaders to account to make sure your money is used properly.”
He added, “I see that the gap that existed is being reduced. We are developing our country uniformly from Moyale to Namanga from Mombasa to Lake Victoria.”
Peter Mbugua, chief executive officer of REA revealed that the project was commissioned in 2018 and it created more than 600 jobs.