Renewables

Kenya Expands Renewable Energy with New 42.5 MW Solar Power Plant

Jade Ney
July 18, 2024
3 min

London, July 17th (The Net-Zero Circle) - On July 15th, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), the leading electricity producer in Kenya and East Africa, announced a partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) to add 42.5 MW of solar energy to its national grid. Construction of the solar power plant is set for KenGen's Seven Forks area.

Notwithstanding its proven potential for solar and wind energy, development has been limited. Still, Kenya relies heavily on renewable energy, primarily from hydroelectric and geothermal sources with green energy accounting for between 85% and 90% of generation in 2023. When the new plant becomes operational, not only will capacity be expanded, but KenGen foresees Kenyans benefiting from more affordable electricity. 

The solar plant will complement daytime hydroelectric production, conserving water for night-time electricity generation, which would be especially beneficial during increasingly unpredictable and longer lasting droughts. Since its inception in 1954, KenGen has developed, managed, and operated Kenyan power plants, its 65% market share and installed capacity of 1,904 MW standing as testament to its success.

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