NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya is setting its sights on the adoption of cutting-edge energy efficiency and saving technologies to fast-track its decarbonisation goal.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has outlined several initiatives to advance this transition, including the promotion of clean cooking solutions, energy efficiency measures, electric mobility, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) technologies.
One of the cornerstones of Kenya’s decarbonisation journey is the implementation of large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems.
According to Daniel Kiptoo, Chair of the Global Energy Regulatory Energy Transition Accelerator (RETA), Kenya will install its first 100 MW BESS this year.
Additionally, plans are underway to develop a further 250 MW of BESS by 2026, with funding from the World Bank’s GREEN program. This aligns with Kenya’s strategy to phase out thermal plants and meet its energy needs with green energy alternatives.
Kiptoo also highlighted ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the Olkaria 1 geothermal power plant, which will see its capacity increased from 45 MW to 63 MW.
Kenya is also driving the adoption of electric mobility as part of its broader decarbonisation plan. The government has rolled out tax incentives aimed at unlocking the electric vehicle (EV) sub-sector, prioritizing public service vehicles, as well as two- and three-wheelers.
These vehicle categories are significant contributors to Kenya’s greenhouse gas emissions, making their electrification a priority. With these measures, Kenya is making strides in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels while embracing a cleaner transportation future.
As of June 2024, Kenya’s installed renewable energy capacity stood at 2,859.4 MW, representing 80.04pc of the country’s total energy production.
This includes both interconnected renewable energy sources, which account for 2,427.1 MW, and captive renewable capacity of 427.7 MW.
Kenya’s renewable energy portfolio is set to expand further, supported by measures like BESS and increased geothermal output, ensuring that the country continues to lead in green energy production in the region.
These developments were discussed at the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, where global energy leaders gathered to push decarbonisation forward. The event, held on the margins of the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting, also introduced a policymakers’ guide as part of a Clean Energy Ministerial campaign to empower regulators in tackling decarbonisation worldwide.
