High set-up costs, lack of information slowing green energy uptake in Kenya

High costs of installation and a lack of understanding of laws have been cited as stumbling blocks to the higher uptake of green energy.

Speaking during an energy experts’ workshop, most speakers expressed concern that the agenda on reliable energy has not focused much on clean energy.

According to Xander van Tilburg from the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), conversations around green energy have not put much emphasis on addressing overlaps in legislation.

“The understanding of energy security has been reduced to uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. It says nothing about the environment’s well-being,” he said.

Additionally, Izael Pereira Da Silva, who set up a successful solar energy facility at Nairobi’s Strathmore University, said even though investing in green energy pays, the initial investment and availability of roof space can inhibit its uptake.

So far, Kenya boasts being the eighth-largest producer of geothermal power, while development of other green energy sources, such as solar and wind, have not been tapped to their full potential.

Fredrick Nyang, a director of economic regulation at the Energy Regulatory Commission, added that it is not possible for projects to attract investors unless they have received approval from his agency. The process involves securing a Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA), which stipulates among other things, the price, technical specifications and obligations of the investor and those of Kenya Power, the country’s main retail distributor of electricity.

“Unfortunately, not many people are keen on securing this agreement. This leaves them in a situation where they can only produce green energy for free, but not sell it to Kenya Power,” said Dr Nyang.