Wind power in Kenya contributes only a small amount of the country's electrical power. However, its share in energy production is increasing. Kenya aims to generate 2,036 MW of wind power, or 9% of the country's total capacity, by 2030.[2]
Kenya has two major wind farms, Ngong Hills Wind Farm, located in Ngong, Kajiado County. It produces around 5.1 MW of electricity.[3] It is owned by Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) and cost KES 1.6 billion (US$18 million) to construct. The other is Lake Turkana Wind Power Station located in Marsabit County. It generates 310.25 MW of energy.
Kenya is building the largest wind farm in Africa, the Lake Turkana Wind Power consortium (LTWP). It aims to provide 300 MW of low-cost electrical power. With a projected cost of KES 70 billion (US$800 million), it would be the largest single private investment in Kenya's history.[4] This wind farm would allow Kenya to eliminate its thermal generating plants, saving KES 15.6 billion (US$180 million) per year on imported fuel. The project would stimulate the Kenyan economy by contributing KES 3 billion (US$35 million) every year in tax revenue, a total of KES 58.6 billion (US$673 million) over the life of the project.
According to a case study from the Low Emission Development Strategies Global Partnership (LEDS GP), the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project will increase the national electricity supply while creating jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 310 MW of wind energy capacity will:
Operational | ||
---|---|---|
Plant | Capacity (MW) | Status |
Lake Turkana Wind Power Station | 310 | Commissioned 2019 |
Ngong Hills Wind Farm | 25 | Commissioned 2013-2016[6] |
Planned | ||
---|---|---|
Plant | Capacity (MW) | Status |
Meru Wind Power Station | 100 | Planned[7] |
Isiolo Wind | 150 | Commissioned in July 2013[citation needed] |
Marsabit Wind | 50 | Feasibility ongoing |
Source: KenGen