The UK-Kenya Renewable Energy Conference in Nairobi hosted around 100 company representatives from both countries to help accelerate the availability of affordable power.

 

It follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the governments in May, which saw the UK commit 70 billion Kenyan Shillings (£559m) to Kenyan renewable energy projects. It also promotes opportunities for British industry to trade with and invest in Kenya.

 

Since 2013, Kenya has installed 576MW of new base load capacity. In conjunction with grid upgrades, this has improved Kenya’s electricity access rate from 27% to 55%.

 

Despite this, the country is still lacking power so more projects must be developed in order to meet demand at affordable prices and hit green targets.

 

British High Commissioner to Kenya, Nic Hailey said: “The UK and Kenya are at the vanguard of renewable energy, clean technology and innovation. Kenya has one of the most active renewable energy sectors in Africa, and the UK is a global leader in many of the sectors for which Kenya has greatest demand.

 

“We are excited by this growing UK-Kenya partnership in renewables, working together to bring clean, sustainable energy to the Kenyan people and accelerate Kenya’s development and economic growth.”

Source : www.energylivenews.com