Over 20,000 homes in Kisii and Nyamira counties benefit from a Sh1.2 billion solar energy projects courtesy of two American and Italian companies.
This comes after the two American and Italian energy companies on Tuesday signed an agreement to set up 100 solar energy projects that will light up 20,000 homes in the two counties.
Italy’s Enel Green Power (EGP) and US-based Powerhive will build and operate mini-grids in 100 villages in the two counties at a cost of Sh1.2 billion.
“It marks an important step forward in the company’s presence in Africa where we (EGP) will cover 93 per cent of the investment while Powerhive will provide the rest of the funds,” said EGP.
Powerhive developed the solar mini-grids with a total installed capacity of 1MW that will provide clean energy to households, small businesses, schools and healthcare centres directly benefiting around 90,000 people.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
EGP’s Chief Executive Officer Francesco Venturini said Kenya’s fast adoption of digital technology and especially mobile telephony created a ready market for clean energy.
“Kenya’s rich and differentiated renewable energy technology mix offers us a unique platform for our business development in Africa. Kenya has one of the highest mobile phone penetration rates in Africa, that makes our union ideal,” he said.
Mr Venturini said the energy storage facilities will help balance supply and demand, thus reducing risks of power surges and blackouts.
The project will also provide customers with an easier and more reliable payment system through the adoption of a mobile phone prepayment app.
EGP is also involved in off-grid electrification initiatives in other African countries as well as in Latin America and Asia as part of its commitment to the UN’s sustainable development goals.
