Friday 08 November 2024 - 00:05

Date: 16 August 2019 , 12:47

News ID: 5962

NEWS SERVICE: ENERGY

The largest wind power plant in Africa has opened in Kenya

Kenya has unveiled Africa’s largest wind power plant, a project aimed at reducing electricity costs and dependence on fossil fuels and moving the nation to meet its ambitious goal of 100% green energy next year.

The sprawling wind farm of 365 turbines on the shores of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya was designed to boost the nation’s electricity supply by 13 percent, giving more Kenyans access at a lower cost, President Uhuru Kenyatta said at its launch.

Kenya has made great strides in renewable energy in recent years and is considered to one of the few African nations making progress toward clean power.

Image: Lake Turkana Wind Power

About 70 percent of the nation’s electricity comes from renewable sources such as hydropower and geothermal - more than three times the global average.

But one in four Kenyans - mostly in rural areas - does not have access to electricity. Those with power face high costs and frequent blackouts due to unreliable supplies.

Have you read?

Kenyan Herders Are Swapping Cattle for Camels to Adapt to Climate Change

Blockchain can revolutionise the energy industry in Africa

How Kenya is building Africa’s biggest wind energy farm

“Today, we again raised the bar for the continent as we unveil Africa’s single largest wind farm,” said Kenyatta.

“Kenya is without doubt on course to be a global leader in renewable energy.”

Kenyatta, who has announced plans to move the country to 100 % green energy by 2020, said power from the $775-million wind farm would help the government reach its goals of ensuring housing, health care, jobs and food security to all citizens.

“Today marks an important milestone in the country’s steady march towards achieving self sufficiency in power production,” said Mugo Kibati, chairman of the Lake Turkana Wind Power, a private consortium that runs the plant.

source: weforum