Kenya has an enormous potential for growth of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs). However, technological gaps continue to hinder the realisation of this vision, a baseline study has established. The study, which was commissioned by REREC, was undertaken by the Institute of Energy & Environmental Technology (IEET) of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) between the period from February and October 2021.The study, which was meant to establish the state, penetration and readiness levels of Renewable Energy Technologies in Kenya, established that electrical power generation potential along the Kenyan coast is 1.9 GW (16.5 TW/h per annum) of tidal waves power compared to the country’s installed capacity of 3.0 GW. Currently there are no installed tidal or wave energy technology systems in Kenya and the study recommends further research on this, including its utilization in rivers and the mapping of Tidal and wave energy resources.The study further recommends mainstreaming climate finance as part of resource mobilization for RETs, and the development and enforcement of an enabling environment that supports growth and investments in clean cooking; noting that this will enhance the country’s move towards Higher Tier cooking Technologies (HTTC) of tier 4 and Tier 5, by focusing on the development of cook stove economics. Development of a wind resource map with a horizontal spatial resolution of between 30m to 100m has also been recommended by the baseline study. Speaking during an online Validation workshop during which STATE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN KENYA the study outcomes were shared with stakeholders, REREC’s CEO, CPA Peter Mbugua said that the Corporation will continue to support research that will further the advancement of Renewable Energy in the country. “Research in renewable energy is expected to promote use of renewable energy through resource assessment, study of latest & effective RE technologies and the study of adoption of RE technologies in the Kenyan market. It will also provide the current status of use of renewable energy resources in Kenya which will inform investors, researchers, policy makers and all stakeholders”, the CEO said.
Speaking in the same meeting, the Research and Innovation manager at REREC, Eng. Ephantus Kamweru noted the need for the sector to have consolidated and validated data on Renewable Energy Technologies, saying that this would help identify market gaps, address county specific needs, inform the government on the current state of RET and to also provide recommendations that shall inform RET’s policies and Regulations.
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