Sparking a Solar Revolution: Kenya's Journey Towards a Solar-Powered Future- Experts Meet to Explore How Kenya Can Do More

By Richard Kitheka

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As the world's leaders convene in Baku, Azerbaijan to discuss global climate finance and action, a move towards renewable energy to cut carbon emissions, Kenya is hosting 400 delegates at a local level. The #SaritCentre is hosting The Solar Festival, bringing together experts in the Solar sub sector to tackle the nation's pressing energy needs under Kenya's relatively new Climate Change amendment Act of 2023.

Kenya’s total geothermal power capacity is 988.7 MW in 2024, putting the country in sixth position globally (and first in Africa) in terms of geothermal power development. As a result, Kenya sources up to 91% of its energy from renewables: 47% geothermal, 30% hydro, 12% wind, and (only) 2% solar.

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The country hopes to transition fully to renewables by 2030, with KenGen saying the country has the potential to increase its capacity to as much as 10,000 MW of geothermal energy. That would more than match peak demand in Kenya, currently about 2,000 MW. Solar: As of June 2023, Kenya's solar installed capacity stood at 367.5 megawatts, comprising 212.6 megawatts of grid-interconnected capacity and 154.9 megawatts of captive capacity. The estimated solar potential in Kenya is almost 15000 MW.

?This poses the question: Why are we not using more solar energy given that we are in the equatorial zone and have an abundance of solar energy? ?There are several factors hindering the widespread adoption of solar energy: ?

1. High Initial Costs:

Solar panels and installation can be expensive upfront, making it difficult for individuals and businesses to invest, especially in rural areas. ? Companies such as? JA Solar are part of the suppliers of solar panels to Kenya and over 135?countries. As world leader in high-performance photovoltaic products, JA has been rated in the Global Top?500 New Energy Enterprises and Fortune China?500 for several years.

2 Lack of Awareness and Education:

Many people, particularly in rural areas, are unaware of the benefits of solar energy and how to harness it effectively. ? Companies such as MKopa have leveraged the significant mobile penetration of Kenya that ?is currently at 128.3% or 66.1million devised connected to mobile networks in Kenya according to Senior Statistics Report for the period April to June 2024. ?

?Loans for solar products are accessible to many in Kenya via this format using the Mpesa platform’s ??Pay-as-you-go model. This allows the customers make affordable small daily installments and eventually own solar products

?3. Limited Access to Finance:

Securing loans or financing for solar projects can be challenging, especially for small-scale installations. Securing loans or financing for solar projects in Kenya can be challenging, especially for small-scale installations. Traditional financial institutions often view solar energy projects as high-risk investments, particularly for individuals and small businesses. This is due to factors such as:

• Lack of collateral: Many Kenyans, especially in rural areas, lack the necessary collateral to secure loans from traditional banks.
• Perceived risk: Solar energy projects, particularly small-scale ones, can be perceived as risky investments due to factors like fluctuating solar irradiance and potential technical issues.
• High upfront costs: The initial investment for solar systems can be significant, making it difficult for many Kenyans to afford them outright.

Solutions include:

• Solar leasing: In this model, customers lease solar systems from a third-party provider. The provider owns and maintains the system, while the customer pays a fixed monthly fee for the electricity generated. This eliminates the need for upfront capital investment.
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like M-Changa allow individuals and organizations to raise funds for solar projects through crowdfunding campaigns. This can be a viable option for community-based solar initiatives.
• Government subsidies and incentives: The Kenyan government has implemented various policies and programs to promote solar energy, including subsidies, tax breaks, and feed-in tariffs. These incentives can help reduce the cost of solar energy and ?make it more affordable for consumers.

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4. Grid Integration Challenges:

Integrating solar power into the national grid can be complex and requires specific infrastructure and regulations. ? Integrating solar power into Kenya's national grid can be complex and requires specific infrastructure and regulations. Some of the key challenges include:

• Grid capacity: Kenya's grid may not always have the capacity to absorb large amounts of intermittent solar power, especially during peak generation times.
• Voltage fluctuations: Solar power can cause fluctuations in voltage levels, which can impact the stability of the grid.
• Technical limitations: Older parts of the grid may not be compatible with the integration of renewable energy sources like solar power.
• Regulatory framework: A clear and supportive regulatory framework is essential to facilitate the integration of solar power into the grid. This includes policies related to grid connection standards, feed-in tariffs, and net metering.

Some key strategies to solve this include:

• Grid reinforcement: Upgrading the grid infrastructure to handle increased renewable energy generation.
• Smart grid technologies: Implementing advanced technologies to optimize grid operations and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively.
• Battery storage: Using battery storage systems to store excess solar energy for later use, helping to balance supply and demand.
• Policy and regulatory reforms: Creating a supportive regulatory environment to incentivize solar power development and facilitate grid integration.

5. Intermittent Nature of Solar Power:

• Solar energy is dependent on sunlight, which can be affected by weather conditions, limiting its reliability as a sole energy source. ?

Solutions Strategies: ?

• Battery Storage: Implementing affordable battery storage systems to store excess solar energy generated during peak sunlight hours and release it when needed, such as during nighttime or cloudy days. ?
• Pumped Hydro Storage: Utilizing existing or new hydroelectric dams to store energy by pumping water uphill during off-peak hours and releasing it to generate electricity when needed. ?

• Advanced Grid Technologies: Implementing smart grid technologies to optimize energy distribution and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively.
• Demand-Side Management: Encouraging consumers to shift their energy consumption patterns to match solar generation, reducing the need for additional power generation during peak demand periods.
• Grid Balancing: Coordinating with other power sources, such as hydro, geothermal, or thermal power plants, to balance the intermittent nature of solar power. ?
• Hybrid Systems: Combining solar power with other renewable energy sources like wind or geothermal to create a more reliable and consistent energy supply. ?
• Backup Power Sources: Having backup power sources, such as diesel generators or other renewable energy sources, to provide electricity during periods of low solar generation.
• Advanced Forecasting Tools: Utilizing advanced forecasting tools to predict solar generation patterns based on weather data, enabling better grid management and planning. ?
• Supportive Policies: Implementing policies that incentivize energy storage, grid modernization, and the integration of renewable energy sources.
• Regulatory Framework: Establishing clear regulations for grid connection, net metering, and feed-in tariffs to encourage solar power adoption and facilitate grid integration.

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6. Policy and Regulatory Framework:

• A clear and supportive policy framework is essential to incentivize solar energy adoption and attract investments. ?

Policy Gaps include:

a)????????????????? Inconsistent Policy Implementation:

A lack of consistent and timely implementation of renewable energy policies such as the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Policy , Renewable Energy Auction Policy , Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) , National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and Vision 2030. Many regulations can create uncertainty for investors and hinder project development as we advance into renewable energy resources. ?

b)????????????????? Limited Financial Incentives:

While some incentives exist, such as feed-in tariffs, they often face delays and bureaucratic hurdles. More robust financial incentives, like tax breaks and subsidies, could accelerate solar energy adoption. ?

c)?????????????????? Weak Grid Integration Policies:

Clear and supportive policies for grid integration of solar power are essential. However, challenges persist in terms of net metering regulations, grid connection standards, and the capacity of the distribution network to handle intermittent renewable energy. ?

d)????????????????? Lack of Standardized Regulations for Off-Grid Solar:

While off-grid solar systems have gained popularity, standardized regulations and quality control measures are needed to ensure the safety and reliability of these systems.

KPLC's Role and Potential Hindrances

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), as the primary electricity distributor in Kenya, plays a crucial role in facilitating the integration of solar energy into the national grid. However, certain factors may hinder this process: ?

??????????????????? I. Net Metering Regulations:

While KPLC has implemented net metering policies, challenges related to timely metering installations, accurate billing, and fair compensation for excess solar energy fed into the grid can discourage consumers from adopting solar systems.

????????????????? II.Grid Connection Procedures:

Complex and time-consuming grid connection procedures can deter potential solar power producers, especially for small-scale installations. ?

??????????????? III.Tariff Structures:

KPLC's tariff structures may not adequately incentivize solar power generation and consumption. A more favorable tariff structure, such as time-of-use tariffs, could encourage consumers to shift their electricity consumption to periods of high solar generation.

To fully realize the potential of solar energy in Kenya, addressing these policy gaps and improving collaboration between the government, KPLC, and the private sector is crucial. By creating a supportive regulatory environment, providing adequate financial incentives, and streamlining grid connection procedures, Kenya can accelerate its transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Despite these challenges, Kenya has made significant strides in harnessing solar power, particularly in recent years. The government has implemented various initiatives to promote solar energy, including: ?

• Subsidies and tax breaks for solar installations ?
• Net metering policies to encourage grid-connected solar systems ?
• Public awareness campaigns to educate people about the benefits of solar energy
• Development of large-scale solar power plants by individuals and corporates such as Bamburi cement which in 2022 signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with an Independent Power Producer, MOMNAI Energy Limited, to set up two Solar Plants adjacent to the company’s Mombasa Plant and Nairobi Grinding Plant. The project which aims to save on power costs as well as contribute to Net Zero carbon emissions by switching to renewable energy, is set to deploy solar power systems with a total capacity of 14.5MW and 5MW for Bamburi’s Mombasa Plant and Nairobi Grinding Plant respectively. This will account for up to approximately 40% of Bamburi’s total power supply.

• Garissa Solar Plant is the largest solar project in East Africa and generates 50MW of energy. The construction of this power plant completed in 2018 by China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Co-operation (CJIC) and was commissioned in 2018 by Uhuru Kenyatta. KShs 13billion was sunk into this project.

As technology continues to advance and costs decrease, the potential for solar energy in Kenya is immense. As the world marches towards solar-powered electric vehicles and green hydrogen production Kenya's solar energy future remains largely potent and capable of surprising the world.

By addressing the challenges and capitalizing on its abundant solar resources, Kenya can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable future and fully claim, to be headed towards a sustainable energy future.

The Nairobi PowerElec 2024 Solar Conference is happening from 13th through to the 15th November at Sarit Centre.

contact the writer: [email protected]