Kenya, a land brimming with natural wonders and untapped resources, has embarked on a remarkable journey towards a brighter and cleaner energy future. Kenya’s renewables industry has never had a brighter horizon. With an impressive 89% of electricity now sourced from renewable energy, the nation stands at the forefront of Africa’s sustainable growth. Among the diverse range of renewable sources, solar energy has emerged as a potent force. It’s immense potential to power the nation’s progress is now immensely attractive.

Alongside solar, a newer contender, biofuels, has taken the stage, promising a greener and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The future also smiles warmly on Kenya’s geothermal industry. It seems that Kenya and Iceland have more in common than meets the eye. Join WTS Energy on this journey into the future of Kenya’s energy industry, as we explore the exciting opportunities as well as challenges that this country could face. 

A Bright Solar Future in Kenya

Situated near the equator, the country’s solar potential of 4-6 kWh/m2/day and an estimated capacity of 15,000 MW make it a prime candidate for leveraging solar energy for sustainable growth. Forward-thinking companies in Kenya’s manufacturing sector are leading the way by embracing solar energy to reduce costs and environmental impact. 

However, the rapid growth of the solar industry in Kenya has outpaced the availability of trained personnel, leading to a skills gap in the workforce. As more companies, especially in the manufacturing sector, transition to solar to reduce operational costs and environmental impact, the demand for solar specialists continues to rise, and the demand for qualified personnel soars. 

Furthermore, the lack of formal education and training programs specifically tailored to solar energy poses a challenge. Traditional educational institutions may not offer comprehensive courses or degrees focused on solar technologies, making it challenging for individuals to acquire the necessary skills. 

Editor’s note: This is where WTS Energy comes in. With the opening of Spark Energy Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, we seek to provide specialized and demand-oriented training programs, ensuring that participants are equipped with the skills necessary to excel in their respective fields. Our vision is triggering the leapfrog into a renewable energy industrialization of Kenya. Read more here.  

Kenya is set to become one of Africa’s most important renewable energy powerhouses through private investment.  Incentivising solar projects, engaging stakeholders, and enforcing stringent regulations can address these issues. A large effort has been made in the past years in this sense. By creating an enabling environment and ensuring product quality, Kenya can achieve a solar-powered industrial revolution, driving sustainable growth and energy independence. 

Nevertheless, in the latest years a new player has joined the share of greener energy production in the country. Extraction of vegetable oil from easily renewable plants and other biological carbon-based material, or namely, Biofuels.  

Biofuels: A new Player in Kenya’s renewables industry

While having a lower energy productivity per hectare, biofuels offer a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a cleaner environment.

Kenya has a clear, stable and sustainable agrarian system. Maize, rice and wheat are among the most common crops. And their crop diversity keeps on growing. In a highly agrarian country such as Kenya, this possibility will always pique the interest of potential investors.  And Kenya now has the right conditions for these investors.  Kenya’s commitment to leveraging biofuels also aligns with its ambitious climate change commitments and vision for a greener and prosperous nation. 

In collaboration with forward-thinking companies and government entities, WTS Energy is actively involved with key players in the biofuel production sector. We have extensive experience in effectively producing, refining and distributing this type of energy. Furthermore, we provide extensive experience in providing the right personnel for expanding biotech installations. And this is only the beginning. As the demand for biofuels grows, WTS Energy is playing a crucial role in addressing the need for skilled personnel in this domain. We are committed to providing expertise and training to ensure a skilled workforce to drive the biofuel industry’s growth and sustainability. 

Kenya’s dedication to biofuels marks a significant step towards energy security and independence. WTS Energy is privileged to be supporting this transformation and contributing to the advancement of biofuel technologies in Kenya. Together, we are shaping a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for the nation and beyond. 

These two types of power production, have become a very important part of the energy mix in Kenya. It is important not to miss, however, an underdog in Kenya’s renewables industry until recently: Geothermal Power.   

Geothermal Power: Kenya’s Renewables Industry secret ace

Kenya’s renewable energy potential goes beyond the usual sources. A remarkable example is that happening in the scenic village of Naivasha. This village sits at the meeting point of two huge land masses, the African and Somali tectonic plates. This location opens exciting opportunities for energy development. The strategic positioning of the village, at the foot of Hell’s Gate (upon which some of the scenes in the movie the Lion King are based), allows for an energetic potential equally as big as the two landmasses it sits between.

The current geothermal power plant installed there, Olkaria, produces some 140 MW of geothermal power. This is only the beginning of the journey of development that the region surrounding Hell’s Gate could accommodate. 

A country with a similarly advantageous geothermal positioning is Iceland, and the benefits they derived from this are huge. The only drawback that Iceland has is that they are geographically isolated from the rest of the world. 

Kenya, however, has developed prosperous economic relations with its nearby neighbors. It seems ready to leverage its status as an upcoming leader in the East African geothermal industry. Its advantages in experience and technical know-how position it to become a major exporter of energy in the future.  

Conclusion

As Kenya’s renewable energy journey unfolds, the path to a brighter solar future shines ever more brightly. The private sector drives change, fostering a skilled and empowered workforce for solar, geothermal and biofuel industries alike. This workforce will build Kenya’s energetic future. Furthermore, Kenya could be able to export this workforce to it’s neighbors. Together, Kenya and WTS Energy forge ahead, stepping closer to becoming a leading renewable energy powerhouse in Africa, and revolutionizing Kenya’s renewables industry.