Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has affirmed that Kenya is on track to achieving 100 per cent clean energy by the year 2030.
Wandayi also noted that the Kenya off-grid solar access project (KOSAP) is under implementation and will cover 14 counties and has potential to expand to other counties.
He said renewable energy in Kenya currently accounts for 73 per cent of the installed power generation capacity and 90 per cent of the power generation dispatch in terms of utilization.
The Cabinet Secretary who spoke after visiting Geothermal Development Company (GDC) steam wells on the floor of Menengai Crater observed that geothermal energy potential in the country is currently estimated at 10,000 MW, out of which less than 10 per cent (950 MW) has been exploited making Kenya the 6th largest global producer of geothermal power.
Wandayi expressed the government’s commitment to ensure adequate supply of reliable clean energy.
The CS assured that the government will continue to support GDC as the country gears towards a clean energy supply.
“As a country, we are doing well in renewable energy, about 7 per cent of the country’s energy comes from thermal,” he said.
He said the seven percent will be attained in the next eight years. Wandayi said the government is determined to switch to 100 per cent green energy.
According to him, the success in exploration of green energy can be attributed to various efforts undertaken to boost the renewable energy sector including setting up various energy plants around the country.
“Kenya is deeply committed to the agenda of the Africa Energy Forum. We have a wind power project in Lake Turkana which has a capacity of 310 MW and is the largest in Africa,” said the CS.
The CS indicated that transitioning away from fossil fuels will not only be affordable for Kenyans but will also contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change and protect the environment.
Wandayi stated that the renewable energy from geothermal sources was expected to reduce the country’s reliance on hydro-generated power, which accounts for 65 per cent of the total installed capacity and is prone to erratic weather patterns.
“This also means Kenya will stop relying heavily on independent power producers who use diesel to generate electricity and sell it at exorbitant prices to the Government,” he said
He noted that the overall cost of living would also come down as manufacturers were expected to lower the prices of their goods. Local manufacturers consume 60 per cent of the power produced in Kenya.
Some of the large industries in the country pay up to Ksh100 million in monthly bills, which means a 40 per cent reduction in power prices will see them saving up to Ksh40 million every month.
GDC chairperson Walter Osebe Nyambati said they are working to ensure the over 10,000 megawatts of power from geothermal is attained.
