SkyPower to develop 1GW of solar projects in Kenya

Canadian utility-scale solar energy project developer SkyPower has signed an agreement with Kenyan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum for the development of 1GW of solar projects in the country.

Under the $2.2bn deal, the solar projects will be developed in four phases over the next five years in the country.

Kenya presently generates two-thirds of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily from hydropower and geothermal, which contribute around 38% and 25% of the power requirement, reported Bloomberg.

Until now, the country did not have any high scale solar energy project.

SkyPower CEO Kerry Adler said that the projects will create 25,000 total jobs in Kenya and will include construction of 200 MW of fabrication and assembly facilities.

It also said that $173m would be dedicated towards toward education, training, and research and development.

Adler said: "Kenya has become an African hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and SkyPower is proud to contribute to this unprecedented milestone in Kenya’s ambitious renewable energy plan.

"SkyPower’s solar projects will help Kenya realise its electrification goals, support the development of the country’s renewable energy industry and help the development of strong communities, generating a brighter future for all."

Kenyan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich added: "Sustainable electrification is a central policy issue inKenya, and we are committed to making this a reality for our citizens, while accelerating economic growth in the process."