Kenya is a member of a collaborative African consortium consisting of nine countries that is at the forefront of advancing battery storage solutions to effectively utilize greater amounts of renewable energy.
Battery storage is essential for optimizing intermittent renewables like solar and wind in Kenya. The World Bank-funded BESS project stores excess energy from geothermal plants, minimizing grid intermittency impact.
Kenya’s participation in the consortium and BESS project is a major milestone for its energy sector. Introducing battery storage aligns with the country’s goal of expanding clean energy, stabilizing the grid, and enhancing reliability, ensuring increased electricity access and energy security.
Furthermore, Kenya aims for universal electricity access and a 100% renewable energy mix by 2030, utilizing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid integration. As a key player in an African consortium, Kenya leads the development of battery storage solutions, enhancing access to the 5 renewable energy sources.
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Moreover, battery storage improves grid reliability and energy access amid weather challenges. Concurrently, job creation in renewable energy, including battery storage, fosters economic growth, attracts investment, and facilitates global collaboration with technology transfer.
Globally, the move to renewables, focusing on decentralized hybrid microgrids (solar, wind, hydro, and clean hydrogen), is propelled by increased research and government incentives.
Kenya, a renewables leader generating over 70% of electricity from diverse sources, is a key player in an African consortium, attracting substantial investment and solidifying its position as a renewable energy powerhouse in Africa.
5 examples of renewable energy
Wind Power:
Kenya’s wind energy boosts electricity supply by 15-20%, creating 2,000+ local jobs. Aiming for 2,036 MW, it’s a substantial contribution to energy production.
Solar Energy:
With 170 MW of installed solar power, Kenya benefits from its equatorial location. Cost-effective and enduring, solar power is transformative, especially in remote areas.
Hydroelectric Power:
Kenya’s hydroelectric power, from the Tana River and innovative projects like HydroBox, aids rural electrification.
Biomass Energy:
Biomass provides 68% of Kenya’s energy. Tree planting aims for commercial production of biomass energy.
Moreover, powergen leads solar, wind, and hydro projects, collaborating to innovate and implement renewable energy solutions. Continuously exploring new renewables technologies, they actively participate in events like Powergen International to share insights on the sector’s future.
Powergen’s involvement in renewable energy projects boosts Kenya’s global leadership in sustainable energy, attracting international attention, partnerships, and investments for economic growth, technological advancement, and meeting the country’s energy needs.
Moreover, the renewable energy sector creates jobs in battery storage, installation, maintenance, and manufacturing. Investments foster economic growth, technology transfer, and international collaboration. Cost-effective and enduring, renewables contribute to economic diversification and sustainability.
