Kenya has yet again shown ambition to meet its targetted 100 percent green energy after unveiling Africa’s biggest wind power plant project. This project, expected to reduce electricity costs and dependence on fossil fuels in the East African country was unveiled on Friday.
Located in a desert stretch about 372 miles north of the capital Nairobi, the Lake Turkana Wind Power farm consists of 365 turbines with a capacity to dispense 310 megawatts of reliable, low-cost energy of Kenya’s national grid.
The beautiful sights and sounds of Africa’s largest wind energy power plant, generating 310MW at full capacity & contributing 13% of total supply to the national grid. Evacuated by 500km KETRACO line to Suswa #LakeTurkanaWind #GoKDelivers #KenyaMbele pic.twitter.com/uKB4cKbn7j
— Nzioka Waita (@NziokaWaita) July 19, 2019
The project was funded by a consortium of African companies, African Development Bank and European companies costing around $700m. The Government of Kenya is expected to buy power at a fixed price over a 20-year period. The 52-meter blade span windmills will take advantage of high winds in the remote area.
Kenya has made significant progress in renewable energy in recent years and it’s considered to be one of a few African countries making progress towards ambitious clean energy.
Officials expect that the targetted project will reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuel and it will minimize manufacturing production costs and create more jobs. About 70 percent of the nation’s electricity comes from renewable sources such as hydropower and geothermal – more than three times the global average.
Speaking at the inaugural event, President Uhuru Kenyatta described the plant as a “monumental feat”. He added that it showcased Kenya’s commitment to pursue clean sources of energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“Today, we again raised the bar for the continent as we unveil Africa’s single largest wind farm,” said Kenyatta.
“Kenya is without a doubt on course to be a global leader in renewable energy.”
Kenya is not the only country in Africa with a wind power project. Morocco, Ethiopia and South Africa have fully operational wind farms that are providing sustainable energy.
