Kenya triples its power target, aiming to expand use of nuclear and geothermal energy
Summary
Kenya has increased its goal for renewable energy capacity from 1,500 megawatts to 5,500 megawatts to meet growing demand and support industrial growth. The plan includes expanding nuclear, geothermal, and hydropower, but experts say this may not lead to cheaper electricity for consumers without changes in contracts, grid efficiency, and pricing.Key Facts
- Kenya wants to produce 5,500 MW of renewable energy, up from 1,500 MW currently.
- The expanded renewable energy will include 2,000 MW from nuclear power, 700 MW from hydropower, and new geothermal projects.
- Kenya already generates 93% of its electricity from renewable sources.
- The state-owned company KenGen produces about 60% of Kenya’s power.
- Lawmakers are urging the government to reduce electricity prices and reconsider power supply contracts.
- Industrial electricity prices in Kenya range from $0.18 to $0.23 per kilowatt-hour, higher than in other African countries like South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Ethiopia.
- High costs come from infrastructure, financing, transmission losses, taxes, and currency changes.
- Kenya’s heavy use of renewable energy requires expensive infrastructure that increases costs.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
