Kenya has announced a tender to develop off-grid solar power plants with a total budget of €133.8 million ($145.6 million). The Kenya Power and Lighting Company states that the selected developer will be required to construct the facilities and provide seven years of maintenance services. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Kenya had a total installed solar capacity of 307 MW by the end of 2022, with about 90 MW of photovoltaic power installed last year.
Kenya's latest tender represents a significant step towards the country's goal of achieving universal access to electricity . The move also supports Kenya's broader sustainable development agenda, which aims to promote access to clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster economic growth. Off-grid solar power is an ideal solution for remote and underserved communities that lack access to reliable electricity. By providing these communities with access to clean energy, Kenya can help improve the quality of life of its citizens while reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
The scaling up of off-grid solar power is part of a broader trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to address energy access issues. According to IRENA, Africa has the potential to generate 310 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, compared to its current installed capacity of 34 GW. However, significant investment is required to unlock this potential, and the deployment of off-grid solar power could play a key role in closing the energy gap.
In addition to facilitating access to energy, off-grid solar power can also support economic development by providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation. By enabling small businesses to operate beyond daylight hours, off-grid solar power can boost productivity and income generation. Moreover, the development of a local solar industry can create skilled jobs across the value chain, from manufacturing to installation and maintenance.
To ensure the successful deployment of off-grid solar power, it is essential to develop effective policies, regulation, and financing mechanisms. Governments can play a key role by establishing clear targets and incentives for renewable energy deployment, streamlining administrative processes, and providing financial support where needed. Public-private partnerships can also play a vital role in driving investment and innovation, while community-based approaches can help ensure the sustainability and ownership of off-grid solar power projects.
In conclusion, Kenya's tender for off-grid solar power plants represents a significant step towards achieving universal access to electricity in the country. By providing underserved communities with access to clean energy, Kenya can help improve the quality of life of its citizens while promoting economic development and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, the deployment of off-grid solar power has the potential to drive investment and innovation across the renewable energy sector in Africa, supporting the growth of a sustainable and inclusive energy system for all.
Interested companies will have time until September 26 to submit their bids.