M a r k e t N e w s
Kenya: Africa’s biggest wind power project commences
Posted on : Wednesday , 8th July 2015
The biggest wind power farm project in Africa located in Turkana in Kenya was officially inaugurated by President Uhuru Kenyatta in a function that saw many investors put their money on renewable energy production specifically on wind energy.
The multi million Turkana wind project which costs US$ 692m is also the largest single private sector initiative in Africa with a number of investors participating.
This development is anticipated to produce 310 MW of electricity and the first 90 MW of power produced is expected to be connected to the national grid before the end of 2016. This initiative will also enable the country to reduce the amount of thermal energy used.
It will consist of 365 turbines and is expected to achieve 68 per cent load capacity factor, which will make it the most efficient wind power farm in the world.
The Kenyan president was very pleased while breaking ground for the project to commence and said that Kenya will continue investing more in green energy and will continue creating the right environment for more investors in the energy sector.
The project is funded by many banks including the developments banks of Denmark, the Netherlands, the European Investment Bank, The African Development Bank (AfDB), South Africa’s Nedbank and Standard Chartered Bank.
Currently, Kenya is a pacesetter in geothermal energy production with the successful completion of the Lake Turkana Wind Power project.
The country is expected to witness similar initiatives as the potential for wind power projects exists in many parts of the country.
Source : constructionreviewonline.com
