Globeleq, a leading energy company in Africa, has made a significant investment in renewable energy, notably with the development of the Malindi Solar Power Station in Kenya.
Since January 2022, the 52 MWp solar plant has been supplying 40 MWac of electricity to the national grid, powering around 250,000 homes and reducing CO2 emissions by 44,500 tons annually.
Owned by the Malindi Solar Group Limited, the plant is financed by the UK’s CDC Group and Globeleq, with power sold to Kenya Power and Lighting Company under a 20-year agreement.
The introduction of a battery storage system enhances the plant’s contribution to sustainable energy solutions.
This aligns with Globeleq’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and its leadership in large-scale solar generation in Africa.
Globeleq intends to allocate around Sh4.6 billion towards installing a battery storage system at its Malindi solar plant, a substantial enhancement to the existing 52 MWp solar facility.
This investment is crucial for enhancing the plant’s role in sustainable energy solutions. It allows for the storage of surplus energy generated during peak sunlight periods for use during low renewable energy generation or high demand.
The implementation of this battery storage system is crucial for ensuring a consistent and dependable power supply from the solar plant.
It showcases Globeleq’s commitment to advancing clean energy technologies.
Peak demand is a significant challenge for solar power plants, especially during low-demand periods.
Globeleq’s planned battery storage system for its Malindi solar plant aims to address this by storing excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours for later use.
This system offers greater efficiency than traditional methods like pumped hydro storage, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply from renewable sources.
Expanding the battery storage at the Malindi solar plant offers potential socio-economic advantages, including job creation during construction and maintenance phases, and improved electricity reliability benefiting local businesses.
The construction and operation of the battery storage system are expected to generate job opportunities, thereby supporting the local economy.
Additionally, the enhanced electricity reliability resulting from the battery storage system will aid local businesses by providing a more stable power supply, essential for their operations and expansion.
This aligns with the growing trend of solar and wind power plants incorporating battery energy storage systems to address electricity stability issues and promote economic development.
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The expansion of battery storage at the Malindi solar plant is in line with broader renewable energy objectives, allowing for the storage of surplus energy generated during peak sunlight hours.
This is critical for maintaining a consistent and dependable power supply from renewable sources, crucial for achieving carbon neutrality and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy.
Integrating energy storage into the national grid is vital for enhancing efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Globeleq’s planned battery storage system for the Malindi solar plant signifies a significant stride toward these goals, underscoring their dedication to advancing clean energy technologies.
Globeleq’s investments in Kenya’s energy sector, exemplified by the Malindi Solar Plant and the Menengai Geothermal Power Project, underscore its commitment to advancing renewable energy in the country.
The operational Malindi Solar Plant has significantly boosted Kenya’s renewable energy capacity, while planned battery storage expansion promises to enhance electricity supply reliability.
These investments are poised to attract further foreign capital, leveraging Kenya’s stable democracy and growing economy.
The Menengai Geothermal Power Project further solidifies Kenya’s energy security by providing clean and reliable power to the national grid.
