Generating electricity in Kenya entirely from renewable sources

Context

The Kenyan Government has set itself the target of giving the entire population access to electricity and generating this electricity entirely from clean energy sources by 2030. Renewable energy sources, such as geothermal energy, hydroelectric power, wind power and photovoltaics, already account for around 90 per cent of electricity generation today. They are environmentally friendly and reduce CO2 emissions, and thus contribute to combating climate change.

Further expansion of renewable energies is important for meeting growing energy needs and enabling the development of local industries.

However, the legal and technical requirements for the rapid expansion of renewable energies are not yet in place. Kenya needs a plan for economic expansion that avoids overloading its electricity grids.

Objective

Key conditions have improved for supplying Kenya with electricity produced entirely from clean sources.

Approach

The project provides advice to stakeholders with the following objectives:

1. The technical and administrative basis for promoting grid-connected electricity generation from renewables is to be improved. The project assists with tenders for solar and wind parks and conducts preliminary studies for the projects.
2. Demand for electricity from private households and companies becomes more flexible. The aim is to shift non-peak electricity consumption by customers of the Kenyan electricity supply company to an electricity mix with a high proportion of renewables. For example, electric vehicle owners could charge their vehicles in the evening or at night.
3. The energy regulatory authority promotes grid integration of electricity from renewables by optimising grid-related services. Digital solar and wind output forecasting can help the network operator improve the integration of renewable energy plants in its power station usage planning. Changes in legislation can increase incentives for companies to provide grid services for better grid integration of renewable energies.

Stand: March 2025