GE will be the sole supplier of equipment for the 100MW project located about 50 km from Nairobi. The Kipeto project, announced during US President Barack Obama’s visit to Kenya, is expected to make a significant contribution to the installed energy capacity in the country where up to 80 per cent of the population currently lacks access to electricity.

The US$155mn contract will include 60 GE 1.7-103 wind turbines, as well as a 15-year service agreement. The project will be financed by the US government’s development financing institute, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, which will be the sole lender to the project.

Kipeto Energy Limited’s shareholders include Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers, Craftskills Wind Energy International Limited, International Finance Corporation and the Maasai community of Kipeto.

GE has also announced other investments in Kenya this week. It is collaborating with Gearbox and Seven Seas Technologies to bring its GE Garages skills building programme to Kenya to help build a skilled workforce and drive entrepreneurial development in the country. The facility in Nairobi will help students, entrepreneurs, and others learn about advanced manufacturing processes, software programming and business development through the use of advanced manufacturing innovations like 3D printers and laser cutters.

Source : africanreview.com