Kenya/AFD to finance the deployment of 42 MWp of solar energy in central Kenya

Kenya is continuing to diversify its electricity mix, with plans to build a new solar photovoltaic power plant around the Seven Forks hydroelectric scheme. With the financial support of the French Development Agency (AFD)

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has signed an agreement with Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) for the construction of a new solar photovoltaic power plant in central Kenya. The project developed by KenGen is an alternative to the drought that regularly affects electricity production through the Seven Forks hydroelectric schemes.

The solar power plant will have a capacity of 42.5 MWp. Although the amount of AFD's contribution is not yet known, KenGen believes that this project is designed to protect Kenyans against the rising cost of electricity, as it will complement the production of hydroelectric power.It will supplement hydroelectricity production during the day and save water for electricity generation at night, particularly in times of drought.

The aim is to supply more renewable energies to the national grid in the context of climate change. In this context, "France wishes to partner Kenya in the deployment of renewable energies to combat climate change, an area in which Kenya has This is a field in which Kenya has demonstrated its prowess, as witnessed by the Olkaria geothermal field and the Seven Forks region" , declared Bertrand Willocquet, AFD's Director in Kenya.

For the record, the Seven Forks region comprises five hydroelectric schemes located on the upper reaches of the Tana River. Water from the Tana River cascades from one power station to the next, taking advantage of the head created by each dam to generate electricity. The Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma and Kiambere dams have a combined capacity of 600 MW.

Source: www.afrik21.africa/