Electricity demand in Kenya reaches new record high

Electricity demand in Kenya hit a new record this week, rising to a high of 2,036 MW, the highest value ever recorded in history, marking a significant surge in demand since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020.

At the same time, the country recorded a new peak in gross energy demand of 36,381 MWh, mostly from renewable energy sources, as the economy reacted positively to the lifting of some of the COVID-19-related restrictions.

National energy producer Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) contributed to the largest increase in the share of renewable energy by expanding production at its geothermal, hydro and wind power plants to meet growing demand.

According to a report by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the total amount of electricity generated by KenGen from its hydropower plants exceeded projections for the period by 581 MWh, an increase of 5.56%.

KenGen’s total installed hydropower capacity is currently 826 MW.

KenGen’s Guitaru, Kindaruma, Kamburu and Kiambere power plants were among the hydropower plants that exceeded projected power generation capacity. The stations are part of the Seven Forks Cascade, which is a critical component of KenGen’s power generation infrastructure and approximately 29% of Kenya’s total installed capacity

Commenting on the report, Rebecca Miano, KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO, said the NSE-listed company has committed to fulfilling its power generation mandate to meet the country’s growing demand for electricity from renewable sources.

“KenGen is committed to ensuring a steady and reliable supply of energy at competitive prices to support the Kenyan economy. The company does this by accelerating the use of renewable energy sources such as hydro, geothermal, wind and solar, ”said Miano.

KenGen’s CEO has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to support the Kenyan government‘s goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2030 to help tackle climate change.

“Our future project pipeline is mostly green and includes geothermal, wind, water and solar. The projects will be implemented in phases, with the first 83 MW Olkaria I unit 6 expected to be operational by the end of this year, ”she said.

Earlier this year, KenGen joined the United Nations Global Compact’s (UNGC) Business Ambition for 1.5 ° C campaign and said it places its future on green, affordable and accessible energy, including geothermal, hydropower, wind and sun .