Kenya is ramping up efforts to adopt cutting-edge global energy efficiency and decarbonization technologies, aiming to transform its energy generation activities into fully ‘green’ operations. This comes as the country positions itself as a leader in the renewable energy space, with ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has unveiled a series of initiatives to accelerate this transition, including the promotion of clean energy cooking, energy efficiency measures, the expansion of electric mobility, and the installation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) technologies. These efforts form part of the country’s wider strategy to achieve its decarbonization goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Speaking at the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) meeting in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, Mr. Daniel Kiptoo, Director General of EPRA and Chair of the Global Energy Regulatory Energy Transition Accelerator (RETA), announced Kenya’s groundbreaking plan to install its first 100 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) within the year. The project is part of the World Bank-funded GREEN program, with an additional 250 MW BESS targeted for completion by 2026.
“With every lapse of a thermal plant, the energy deficit is being met with the arrival of new, green energy projects, such as the planned rehabilitation of Kenya’s oldest geothermal power plant, Olkaria 1,” Mr. Kiptoo stated during a panel discussion themed ‘Regulators in the Driving Seat: How to Align All Stakeholders in the Race to Net Zero.’ The Olkaria 1 power plant’s output is set to increase from 45 MW to 63 MW, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to renewable energy growth.
Mr. Kiptoo further revealed that as of June 2024, Kenya’s installed renewable energy capacity stood at an impressive 2,859.4 MW, representing 80.04% of the country’s total installed capacity. This includes 2,427.1 MW from interconnected renewable energy sources and 427.7 MW from captive renewable energy projects. With continuous expansion in clean energy, these numbers are expected to grow steadily in the coming years.
Kenya’s decarbonization efforts are also evident in its focus on electric mobility. The country has rolled out a series of tax incentives to stimulate the growth of the electric vehicle sector, with a particular emphasis on public service vehicles and two- and three-wheelers, which contribute up to 13% of Kenya’s greenhouse gas emissions. The tax breaks aim to make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable, thereby accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable transport system.
The international community has taken notice of Kenya’s leadership in the renewable energy transition. During the 15th Clean Energy Ministerial and 9th Mission Innovation meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting, policymakers presented a guide titled “Empowering Regulators to Tackle Decarbonization.” This guide marks the first step in a Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) campaign aimed at encouraging collaboration between governments and regulators worldwide in pursuit of global decarbonization goals.
Kenya’s active role in RETA, alongside Cameroon as Africa’s representatives, underscores the nation’s commitment to international cooperation in the energy sector. RETA brings together 60 regulatory authorities from around the world to drive the global energy transition, fostering dialogues that align stakeholders on the path toward net-zero emissions.
As Kenya continues to position itself as a hub for renewable energy innovation, the installation of large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems, the growth of electric mobility, and a robust renewable energy capacity point to a greener, more sustainable future for the country. The world will be watching as Kenya leads the charge toward achieving global decarbonization targets.
