Nairobi takes lead in adaptation of captive power generation

Nairobi is leading among counties that have taken initiative towards adaptation of captive power generation.

This is according to a baseline study on Captive Power Generation in the country.

It was conducted by the Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK) in collaboration with Res4Africa, seeking to better understand the captive generation activities in Kenya.

The study showed that the size of the country's CPG within the CandI (Commercial and industrial) and small commercial sectors are significant enough to warrant recognition.

"Over 400MW in captive power is not small at all. This is a clear indication of the new energy consumption trends in the country," ESAK CandI working group head Geoffrey Rono said.

He added that the captive generation cannot be ignored anymore due to its significant contribution.

Nairobi was shown as leading in solar PV installations followed by Nakuru while Kakamega records the highest bioenergy capacity owing to sugar mills.

The study showed that the captive power industry had been propelled by inadequacies in the electricity supply to industries and establishments as well as the growing need for 'green' productive industries.

ESAK vice chairperson Juliana Kainga said CandI was committed to the adoption of green technologies.

She noted that the country was headed there.

"Achieving 100 per cent clean energy transition in Kenya is one of our main goals as an association and the CandI sector is a key driver of this. This is why we decided to embark on this study," she added.

RES4Africa Secretary General Roberto Vigotti pointed out that the joint initiative provided an important contribution towards unlocking the immense potential of Kenya's energy sector.

"Through this event and study, we aim at shedding light on the current status of the captive power sector and identify the opportunities and challenges that lie therein," he said.

"Such an endeavour will provide valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and customers in Kenya."

The study further revealed that 36 percent of the total installed capacity is solar photovoltaics while 30 percent is Bioenergy.

Fossil, hydro and geothermal account for 23 percent, 10 percent and 1 percent respectively.

It was established that most of the installation was in the agriculture sector while metal and allied come in second.

The baseline findings will be updated yearly to allow for a database monitoring of the sector trend as well as a guide on policy.