Solar Mini-Grids
A mini-grid is a set of small-scale electricity generators interconnected to a distribution network that supplies electricity to a small, localized group of customers. It usually operates independently from the national transmission grid. Solar mini-grids technology has been proved as a rough technology in energy access, particularly in rural areas, where they have become a viable option for providing reliable and high-quality electricity to rural populations and businesses.
- GoK Funded Solar Mini-grids
The Corporation has implemented Twenty-Six (26) solar mini-grids across counties of Wajir, Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera and Garissa. The projects consist of 60kW solar PV system with battery storage and a backup diesel generator to ensure quality and reliable power supply to the customers.
The projects are serving in excess of 3,693 customers and provide other socio-economic benefits to communities living in these areas in education, health, entrepreneurship, employment, communication, water pumping and food preservation. Total generation from the project as at June 2021 is 7,345MWh. This translates to major carbon emission reduction for the country, as previously the connected customers used kerosene or biomass fuel as a source of light. This translates to approximately two tons of carbon dioxide emission reduction in addition to other health and socio-economic benefits.
The Corporation is currently implementing a 280kW solar mini-grid with battery storage in Buna town, Wajir County. Once commissioned, the project will provide reliable power supply to approximately 360 homesteads, institutions and businesses in Buna area.
Item | County | Site | Constituency | Rating (kW) | No. of Connection | |
1 | Marsabit | Ambalo | Moyale | 60 | 95 | |
2 | Illaut | Laisamis | 60 | 80 | ||
3 | Balesa | North Horr | 60 | 117 | ||
4 | Turkana | Eliye (Ille) Springs | Turkana -C. | 60 | 206 | |
5 | Lowareng | Turkana -N. | 60 | 274 | ||
6 | Letea | Turkana – W. | 60 | 135 | ||
7 | Lopeduru | Turkana East | 60 | 250 | ||
8 | Kangangipur | Turkana S | 60 | 132 | ||
9 | Napelilim | Loima | 60 | 78 | ||
10 | Garissa | Sangailu | Ijara | 60 | 90 | |
11 | Liboi | Dadaab | 60 | 300 | ||
12 | Eldera | Lagdera | 60 | 80 | ||
13 | Garsweino | Fafi | 60 | 68 | ||
14 | Mandera | Kiliwehiri | Banissa | 60 | 83 | |
15 | Burduras | Mandera West | 60 | 70 | ||
16 | Gari | Lafey | 60 | 90 | ||
17 | Shimbir Fatuma | Mandera – S. | 60 | 190 | ||
18 | Ashabito | Mandera – N. | 60 | 73 | ||
19 | Arabia | Mandera -E. | 60 | 150 | ||
20 | Wajir | Biamadhow | Wajir North | 60 | 400 | |
21 | Gurar | Wajir North | 60 | 117 | ||
22 | Hadado | Wajir West | 60 | 173 | ||
23 | Sarif | Wajir South | 60 | 160 | ||
24 | Basir | Elda | 60 | 80 | ||
25 | Riba | Wajir east | 60 | 81 | ||
26 | Sarman | Tarbaj | 60 | 121 | ||
27 | Buna | Wajir North | 280 | Ongoing | ||
TOTAL | 3,693.00 |
- Donor Funded Solar Mini-grids
The Corporation in Collaboration with University of Southampton implemented two Solar Mini-grids with energy storage in Kitonyoni (23kW), Makueni County and Oloika (13.5), Kajiadao County. The projects have been in operation from 2016 with in excess of 450 customers connected.
The Corporation is currently implanting Kenya Electricity Modernization Project (KEMP) which is a world bank funded project. The scope of the project includes development of seven (7) solar mini-grids with battery energy storage and associated reticulation network. These are being installed in the following eight (8) sites: Mageta Island, Siaya County; Ngodhe and Takawiri Islands in Homa Bay County; Wasini Island – Kwale County; Kaeris and Kerio markets in Turkana County and Dabel in Marsabit County. The total project capacity is 2,044kWp solar PV and 6,153kWh Lithium ion battery storage. Once commissioned the project will connect in excess of 4,088 customers in off-grid areas and coastal and Lake Victoria Region islands.
No | County | Constituency | Site | Plant Capacity | |
PV (kWP) | BESS (kWh) | ||||
1 | Homa -Bay | Mbita | Takawiri | 204.7 | 616 |
2 | Homa -Bay | Mbita | Ngothe | 146.5 | 441 |
3 | Siaya | Bondo | Mageta | 800.0 | 2408 |
4 | Kwale | Lunga Lunga | Wasini / Mkwiro | 732.6 | 2205 |
5 | Turkana | T. North | Kaires | 53.5 | 161 |
6 | Turkana | T. South | Kerio | 53.5 | 161 |
7 | Marsabit | Moyale | Dabel | 53.5 | 161 |
2,044.19 | 6,153 |
Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) has an expanded mandate of spearheading Kenya’s green energy drive, in addition to implementing rural electrification projects.
- Kawi Complex, South C,P. O. Box 34585 – 00100 Nairobi.
- 0709193000/3600
- info@rerec.co.ke
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