Energy producers asked to invest more to ensure uninterrupted power supply
By Jacktone Lawi, October 13, 2022
Stakeholders have called on renewable energy producers to pump more investments into their operations if Kenyans are to enjoy a non-interrupted power supply.
Kenya enjoys the greatest diversified energy mix in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa but low levels of investment have ensured inconsistencies in its supply.
However, despite various sources of energy – non-renewable and renewables such hydropower, geothermal power, wind energy, and solar energy – inconsistencies continue to hit the supply of electricity locally.
“Investments in storage and transmission of electricity can help the country to have a reliable power supply. Contrary to the current setting when it is dependent on the hydro level of the dams and wind,” said George Aluru, chairperson for Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK).
Latest figures from the power producers show that Kenya’s has been recording a growing electricity demand, an indicator that there is further need to invest more in this sector. In 2022, the peak electricity demand recorded at 2051MW, a surge from the previous high of 2036MW recorded in November 2021.
Aluru said that with the massive investments in the region and the expected increase in uptake of electric vehicles there is a need to develop electricity infrastructure than can store and stabilise power generated through the various renewable energy sources.