- Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company, the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), the Standard Bank Group acting through Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Stanbic Bank Kenya and their project partner, Alten Kenya Solarfarms (Alten), have announced that the 40 MW Kesses solar photovoltaic plant in Kenya is now operational.
The US$87 million solar plant is located near Eldoret, which has the largest population concentration in Kenya’s Rift Valley Province. The town is a centre for local government, higher education, business and financial services, textile manufacturing, agribusiness, and sports tourism.
The project connects to a pre-existing 230 kV power transmission line between Turkwel hydroelectric plant and Lessos substation.
By supplying clean, renewable power to Eldoret and the surrounding communities, Kesses is driving a significant boost in productivity for the local economy. 100% of the electricity output is being delivered to the national grid through a 20-year take-or-pay Power Purchase Agreement between Alten and Kenya Power and Lighting Company, the national energy utility.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
