Kenya’s Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has entered into an agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD) to develop a 42.5MW solar power project, enhancing Kenya’s green energy initiatives.
The project, set to be completed in 28 months, will establish a 42.5MW solar power plant in the vicinity of the Seven Forks dams, a key site for KenGen’s hydroelectric generation.
This new capacity will not only expand renewable energy sources but also help mitigate the rising cost of electricity. By supplementing hydroelectric power during the day, the solar plant will conserve water for nighttime electricity generation, particularly during drought conditions.
As the first solar project of its kind for the NSE-listed company, this initiative aims to increase the supply of renewable energy to Kenya’s national grid in response to climate change challenges.
The signing ceremony was attended by Principal Secretary of the State Department for Energy, Alex Wachira; KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga; French Ambassador to Kenya, HE Arnaud Suquet; and AFD Country Director, Bertrand Willocquet.
“France is committed to partnering with Kenya in expanding renewable energy to combat climate change, as evidenced by Kenya’s achievements in the Olkaria Geothermal Field and the Seven Forks region,” said Willocquet.
PS Wachira praised the project as a significant advancement for Kenya. “This initiative will provide affordable, reliable, and clean energy, create employment opportunities, and foster community engagement through corporate social responsibility (CSR). Kenya and France have a longstanding, cordial relationship, particularly in the energy sector, and this collaboration continues to enhance our energy infrastructure for the benefit of Kenyans,” he stated.
Energy News Africa quoted KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga emphasising the partnership’s importance, noting that it aligns with the company’s efforts to scale up renewable energy capacity and drive Kenya towards a 100% green energy transition by 2030.
“We are committed to increasing Kenya’s renewable energy capacity to 100% by 2030. Our progress towards this goal has been significantly supported by our partnership with AFD. We are now ready to develop the 42.5MW solar power project, contributing more renewable energy to the national grid within the next 28 months,” Eng. Njenga said.
“This project will complement hydroelectric power during the day, especially during the dry season, allowing us to conserve water for power generation at night,” he added.
