- 1 MW solar plant commissioned at Sameer Africa’s Enterprise Road complex in Nairobi.
- Project aims to reduce energy costs and improve operational resilience through self-consumption.
- Sameer Africa plans to expand solar capacity to 4 MW as part of its transition towards real estate development.
Equator Energy has commissioned a 1 MW solar power plant at the Sameer Africa complex on Enterprise Road in Nairobi, strengthening the company’s energy security while reducing electricity costs across its operations.
The project represents a significant step towards energy self-sufficiency for Sameer Africa, enabling the company to reduce its exposure to rising electricity tariffs and recurring grid reliability challenges. Designed as a self-consumption facility, the solar installation will supply power directly to on-site operations without exporting electricity to the national grid.
To support its energy strategy, Sameer Africa has applied to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for an Electric Power Generation and Retail License. The proposed framework is based on complete self-consumption, allowing the company to operate independently of wider grid disruptions while avoiding participation in public electricity supply.
The solar plant forms part of a broader renewable energy expansion plan at the Enterprise Road complex. Sameer Africa has submitted applications to EPRA to increase solar capacity to 4 MVA, equivalent to approximately 4 MW, as it continues to reposition its business from tyre manufacturing towards commercial real estate development.
The project also reflects a growing trend across East Africa’s commercial and industrial sector, where energy intensive businesses are increasingly investing in private solar generation to improve energy reliability and manage operating costs.
Equator Energy has emerged as a leading developer in this market segment, with a portfolio of large scale commercial and industrial solar projects across the region. Among its flagship developments is the 10 MW solar facility serving the Vipingo operations of Mombasa Cement Ltd.
Beyond cost savings and energy resilience, private solar investments are supporting corporate decarbonisation efforts across Kenya. By reducing dependence on conventional grid electricity, companies are lowering indirect emissions while contributing to the country’s broader transition towards low carbon industrial growth.
The commissioning of the Sameer Africa solar plant highlights the increasing role of distributed renewable energy in strengthening the competitiveness, sustainability and energy independence of East Africa’s industrial and commercial sectors.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
