Sosian Energy, a Nairobi-based company, is making strides in Kenya’s renewable energy sector. Recently, the company received approval to construct a 50-Megawatt wind farm in Marsabit.
Sosian Energy is a big player in Kenya’s energy sector, especially in renewable energy like geothermal power.
The company, connected to the family of the late President Daniel arap Moi, is helping Kenya reach its renewable energy targets by providing power to the national grid.
Their 35-megawatt geothermal power plant in Menengai, Nakuru, is now supplying electricity to the national grid.
This plant is part of a partnership with Kenya Power to boost investment and increase geothermal generation capacity.
The state-owned Geothermal Development Company (GDC) drilled the wells and built the steam gathering facilities, selling steam to the three companies involved.
Once the Sosian Energy plant finishes a 30-day reliability test, it will start operating commercially under a 25-year deal to supply power to Kenya Power.
The electricity from the geothermal plant is sold at a competitive rate of 6.9 US cents or about Sh9.6 per kWh, which should help replace expensive power from thermal plants.
Sosian Energy’s geothermal power plant is a step towards more renewable energy and less reliance on fossil fuels in Kenya. It’s expected to reduce Kenya’s dependence on fossil fuels by replacing expensive power from thermal plants.
Sosian Energy’s plan to build a wind power generator is a big deal for Kenya. It will help the country use a wider range of energy sources, making its energy supply more secure and cleaner.
Kenya already gets most of its energy from renewable sources like geothermal and hydropower, which make up about two-thirds of its energy mix. But wind and solar power are becoming more important, making up almost a fifth of Kenya’s energy now.
Switching to renewable energy is key to fighting climate change and reducing pollution. Closing old, polluting power plants, such as the Tsavo Thermal Power plant, has already helped Kenya.
However, Kenya’s wind power capacity has stayed the same at 435.5 MW. Sosian Energy’s wind project is expected to add to this and make Kenya’s energy sources more diverse.
The project could also help Kenya rely less on imported electricity and fuel, which can be expensive.
As Kenya increases its geothermal power output and Sosian Energy’s geothermal plant in Menengai starts operating, the country’s need for imports could decrease.
Sosian Energy’s 35MW geothermal plant in Menengai, Kenya, has significantly impacted the country’s renewable energy sector.
This plant, along with other renewable sources, makes up 86% of Kenya’s electricity. Sosian Energy, an Independent power producer (IPP), helps diversify Kenya’s energy mix.
IPPs like Sosian Energy and Globeleq bring private investment and expertise, improving electricity reliability and affordability.
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They also introduce new project development strategies. Access to funding, technical expertise, and clear regulations are crucial for IPPs in Kenya.
Thirteen IPPs have been approved to work on geothermal projects in various places. The entry of IPPs into Kenya’s energy sector has had many benefits, such as attracting private investments and creating jobs.
When IPPs started operating, they helped Kenya avoid power shortages during a three-year drought. They have also been crucial in developing Kenya’s geothermal energy capacity.
Currently, Kenya has 950MW of installed geothermal capacity, the highest in Africa and eighth-highest globally.
However, IPPs in Kenya face challenges, including dealing with regulations and getting financing. The agreements between IPPs and Kenya Power have caused some issues, with some lawmakers blaming IPPs, especially those using diesel, for high electricity prices.
The high tariffs that IPPs charge are meant to cover their costs, but they have led to debates over Kenya’s electricity bills. To learn more about renewable energy production click here; https://www.kengen.co.ke/index.php/business/power-generation/geothermal.html.
