SH 75 BILLION ENERGY PROJECT TO POWER THE REGION

For the first time since the colonial times and the independence era, Marsabit County is set to harness its vast wind and solar power potential as it begins to reap the benefits of devolution. Most of the country’s electrical energy is produced from hydro sources and the rest from geothermal sources, mostly using steam from below the earth’s surface. 

Occupying vast tracts of land full of rich natural resources, Marsabit County is attracting donors and investors into various segments of its development programmes. The county has been relying on diesel fueled generators to meet its energy requirements. Investors and donors are bringing modern technology, expertise and management to help residents exploit the abundant natural resources in their county.

One of the national flagship projects is the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project (LTWP) that aims to provide 300 megawatts of reliable, low-cost wind power. The wind power project will cost Sh75 billion, making it arguably one of the biggest projects ever to be undertaken by the private sector in partnership with counties in Kenya.

According to county executive member for Energy, Lands and Housing, Ms Yasmin AbdulKadir, a number of countries specialized in wind power technology are ready to help them tap the natural and renewable energy at a low cost. When complete, the wind power project will generate 300 megawatts (MW) and help reduce power outages not only in the county but in other parts of Kenya as well. The plant will involve the erection of a 428km transmission line to convey the electricity generated from the wind plant source a top Loiyangalani Hill.

Marsabit County has a population of close to 300,000 which the administration is certain will have  sufficient  power  in  their homes including those in the remote rural areas. Excess power generated from the mega plant will be supplied to the national grid, producing about 20 per cent of the current installed electricity generating capacity.  The new energy generated will in turn earn the county additional revenue from its natural resource base.

Kenya generates 1,664mw of electricity and is working on expanding its power supply to 5,000mw by 2017, with the goal of boosting socio-economic growth. With a large landmass, encompassing 70,691 square kilometres, is now planning to set up an energy company to trade with the national government and neighbours. Abdulkadir is optimistic that the company which will create more wealth and employment for the thousands of graduates from the area.

The wind farm site covering 40,000 acres is located in Loiyangalani village, in Marsabit West sub-county about 50km north of South Horr Township. The project will comprise 365 wind turbines (each with a capacity of 850 kw), the associated overhead electric grid collection system and a high voltage sub-station. It also includes the upgrading of the existing road from Laisamis to the wind farm site, a distance of approximately 204km, as well as an access road network in and around the site for construction, operations and maintenance. 

The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (Ketraco), with concessional funding from the Spanish government, is constructing a double circuit 400kv, 428km transmission line. The line is to deliver the

LTWP electricity along with power from other future plants to the national grid. The wind power scheme could save Kenya up to $150 million annually in money used to import fuel for thermal power generation, according to LTWP estimates. The project will be undertaken by a consortium of organisations including the LTWP consortium comprising KP&P Africa B.V. and Aldwych International as co-developers, Industrial Fund for Developing Countries (IFU, Wind Power A.S. Vestas), Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation Ltd (Finn fund) and the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Nor fund).  LTWP is  solely  responsible  for  the financing,  construction  and  operation  of the wind farm. 

Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani unveils new solar panels to harness energy from the sun rays

Aldwych, an experienced power company focused on Africa, will oversee construction and operations of the power plant on behalf of LTWP. Vestas will provide maintenance in a contract  with  LTWP. Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) will buy the power produced at a fixed price over a 20-year period in accordance with the signed power purchase agreement. The project expects to produce an initial 100 MW in 2016, with the remainder expected to be in the grid within 32 months, according to Vestas Wind Systems project coordinator Van Wageningen. Abdulkadir says the county plans to implement a solar street lighting project at a cost of Sh18 million in the current fiscal year.

The exercise will begin in Marsabit and Moyale before spreading to other areas and will boost security surveillance around the county. The County Government of Marsabit is committed to provide sustainable, affordable and reliable electricity for all its residence to achieve objectives of Kenya’s national economic development blueprint Vision 2030. Marsabit County has perhaps the highest potential in the world for harnessing solar and wind energies and is strategically placed for the generation of green energy to contribute to the national economy.

 For the past  five  years,  studies  have been conducted by various companies to establish wind patterns, ensure that the data is recorded accurately and to establish whether it has consistent direction and output. Five wind masts have been erected. The Bubisa corridor in Marsabit County is rated as having strong winds according to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) records. Preliminary wind resource assessment shows that wind regimes in Marsabit County can support commercial electricity generation as they enjoy wind speeds ranging from eight to 14 metres per second (s). The county has strong reliable sunshine throughout the year, providing high potential for investment in solar energy.

Achievements:

Solar street lights for Marsabit and Moyale towns have been installed at a cost of Sh18 million. 

-Lighting of all institutions is currently ongoing in partnership with the Kenya Rural Electrification Authority.

-A number of efforts have been made and continue to be realised to attract investors, especially in the areas of renewable energy.

-Close contact with the Ministry of Energy to operationalize  all  flagship  projects: markets, slaughterhouses, renewable energy centres, electricity sub-stations, construction  of  sub-station  at  Maikona  by the  Rural  Electrification  Authority  (REA), including power transmission lines from Maikona to Kalacha.

-Establishment of the ‘Marsabit County Energy Company Limited’that will be used as a special purpose vehicle for exploitation and utilization of energy.