Kenya is setting its sights on developing a gigawatt-scale wind farm that would claim the title of Africa's largest wind power project. The state-run Kenya Electricity Generating Company recently revealed its intention to secure debt financing, covering 75% of the project's costs.
While specific cost figures have yet to be confirmed, estimates will become available once the necessary approvals are obtained and the capacity for each project phase is determined. The proposed wind farm is slated to be located near the existing 310MW Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, currently the largest of its kind in Africa, situated in the remote northern regions of Kenya.
The project's anticipated timeline projects it to be connected to the Kenyan grid by 2028, marking a significant addition to Kenya's renewable energy capacity. The French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement) has expressed keen interest in the venture, further highlighting its significance on the global stage.
Kenya has long been recognized as a leader in green power, with a substantial portion of its electricity supply (92%) and overall energy consumption (74%) coming from renewable sources. This ambitious wind farm initiative aligns with Kenya's commitment to sustainable energy and its aspiration to continue spearheading renewable energy projects on the continent.
While this proposed wind farm would currently be the largest in Africa, it faces competition from ambitious Egyptian projects that may surpass it in scale. The Egyptian government recently allocated land for a 3GW onshore wind project, with the involvement of international consortiums, including French multinational Engie. Additionally, UAE-based green energy developer Masdar and its partners have laid out plans for a colossal 10GW onshore wind farm in Egypt, potentially ranking among the world's largest.
Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Masdar's chair and UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, has also pledged substantial investment in Africa to accelerate renewable energy development, aiming to add 15GW of clean power to the continent by 2030. Kenya's wind farm endeavor, while facing stiff competition, reflects Africa's growing momentum in embracing renewable energy solutions to meet its energy needs and contribute to a more sustainable future.
