Kengen’s Plan To Advance Renewable Energy In Kenya
Posted on : Wednesday, 17th November 2021
Speaking during the Accelerating Clean Technology Innovation and Deployment panel discussion at the COP26 World Leaders Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, MD and CEO of KenGen, Rebecca Miano said the company is committed to the fight against climate change and is supporting the Government of Kenya’s ambition to achieve 100 per cent utilisation of renewable energy by 2030.
“Our future project pipeline, which is mostly green, includes geothermal, wind, solar and some hydro. The projects will be implemented in phases with the first expected to be commissioned by end of this year it self,” said Rebecca Miano.
The KenGen CEO reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Caring for Climate Working Group of the United Nations Global Compact in a bid to refocus the company’s business towards sustainability.
KenGen joined United Nations Global Compact’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, saying it is banking its future on green, affordable and accessible energy including geothermal, hydro, wind and solar.
The KenGen MD and CEO, who is a board member of the Global Compact Network Kenya, said the company is enhancing its partnership with other key actors to make clean technologies the most affordable, attractive and accessible option for users.
“There is an immediate need to focus on renewable energy to meet our energy needs. AfDB estimates Africa’s electricity access rate at about 40 per cent with over 645 million people with no access to electricity,” said Rebecca Miano.
She said KenGen had also explored several opportunities with non-state actors including financial markets and has over the years raised funds for green energy projects through various financial instruments.
“We also work with technology providers for innovative clean energy solutions including sizing of power plants, geothermal reservoir modelling and automation of operations and maintenance of our power plants through the Internet of Things,” said Rebecca Miano.
She said KenGen had made inroads in working with other countries to help fast-track the adoption of renewable energy in Kenya as a way of accelerating sustainable development while at the same time combating climate change.
“I am happy to confirm that we are already sharing our expertise and skills in accelerating clean energy innovation deployment, more so in geothermal development,” said Rebecca Miano.
