KENYA Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is set to embark on the construction of the largest wind farm in Africa, with a planned capacity of 1GW. The project, known as the Kenya Wind Farm, will be located in the northeastern region of Marsabit.
According to a report by Bloomberg on Friday, KenGen is taking significant strides toward realising this ambitious clean energy initiative. The proposed wind farm will join the ranks of Kenya’s renewable energy infrastructure, supporting the nation’s commitment to achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.
The choice of Marsabit County as the project’s location is strategic, as it is home to the successful 310MW Lake Turkana wind farm, which commenced operations in 2019. Lake Turkana wind farm has been supplying nearly 20 percent of Kenya’s electricity, making it a vital contributor to the country’s energy mix.
The development of the Kenya Wind Farm will occur in multiple phases, with expectations set for the project to become operational by the year 2028. While the approximate cost of this groundbreaking venture has not yet been disclosed, KenGen is diligently working on financial arrangements. The company intends to secure 75 percent of the required investment through debt funding, with the remaining portion financed internally.
KenGen plans to reveal the precise project cost after obtaining necessary approvals and confirming the capacity of each construction phase. Notably, the French Development Agency (AFD) has expressed a keen interest in participating in this monumental renewable energy project.
To ensure the project’s feasibility and success, KenGen has undertaken in-depth feasibility studies, employing its consultancy firm Sofreco to oversee the process.
Kenya’s pursuit of renewable energy aligns with its pledge to transition to 100 percent clean energy sources by the year 2030. Presently, the country sources approximately 92 percent of its energy from renewable sources, emphasising its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
This remarkable initiative by KenGen is a testament to Kenya’s commitment to clean energy and sets the stage for Africa’s largest wind farm, contributing significantly to the continent’s renewable energy landscape. It is worth noting that another substantial wind farm project is on the horizon, with Acwa Power of Saudi Arabia planning a 10GW wind farm in Egypt, which, upon completion, will surpass the Kenya Wind Farm and become the largest wind farm in Africa, second only to China’s planned 20GW Gansu wind farm in the global ranking.