Does Kenya need battery energy storage?

A battery energy storage. The question of power storage has become critical as Kenya embraces e-mobility which requires reliable power supplies. The Energy and Petroleum ministry targets to mainstream power storage in its electricity master plan as the country’s renewable energy generation expands.

How much energy is generated in Kenya?

During the review period, 1,127.11 GWh of energy was generated from thermal sources, accounting for 8.24% of Kenya’s total energy demand. As shown on figure 4.3, the highest thermal energy generation occurred in October 2023, at 140.57 GWh. This figure declined after November 2023 due to improved hydro conditions and increased electricity imports.

How much energy does Kenya import?

These contracts allow Kenya to import additional energy from its neighbors while increasing the interconnected grid’s reliability. During the review period, Kenya imported 1,199.80 GWh of electricity, which constituted 8.77% of the country’s energy mix. The highest import occurred in January 2024, totaling 142.25 GWh.

What is the thermal capacity of Kenya?

Kenya has an installed thermal capacity of 636.1 MW, comprising 512.8 MW from medium-speed diesel and 60 MW from gas turbines, 21.3 MW of captive capacity and 42 MW of off grid capacity. These thermal energy resources are used to meet peak demand, support voltage stability, and address the intermittency of variable renewable energy sources.

Which energy sources are used in Kenya?

Thermal plants contributed 8.24%, while 8.77% was imported from neighboring Ethiopia and Uganda, where over 90% of the generation comes from hydro sources. Geothermal energy remained the largest contributor, meeting 41.71% of Kenya’s total electricity demand. Hydro and wind generation followed, providing 24.68% and 13.14% respectively.

How much solar power does Kenya have?

Solar photovoltaic systems and wind generation contribute 12.38% and 12.19% to the total installed capacity. During the review period, Kenya’s interconnected capacity decreased by 73.5 MW, bringing the total to 3,199.9 MW, due to the expiration of the Power Purchase Agreement for the Kipevu 1 power plant.