Kenya: Construction On 40MW Malindi Solar PV Plant Set to Begin

• The 40MW Malindi Solar project in Malindi, Kenya has reached financial close and is now ready to commence with construction.
• Project developer, Globeleq, a power sector leader in Africa, has advised that the electricity will be sold through a 20-year agreement with the national distribution company, Kenya Power. 
• The $69 million solar photovoltaic project is located in Langobaya, Malindi District, Kilifi County, about 120km north-east of Mombasa and is one of the first IPP owned utility-scale solar power plants in Kenya to begin construction. 

Globeleq has been working with the project originator, Africa Energy Development Corporation (AEDC), who will retain 10% ownership of the project, and its partner, IDEA Power, to bring the project to construction by providing equity, project development and construction management experience.

CDC, the UK’s development finance institution, as the mandated lead arranger, has sourced $52 million in debt financing including $20 million from DEG, the German development finance institution.

Paul Hanrahan, Globeleq’s CEO, said: “The attractive investment climate combined with strong local community support sets the stage for this important project as well as future investments in Kenya. We are extremely pleased to be making this investment into the Kenyan energy sector.’’

Zohrab Mawani, AEDC’s Director added: “AEDC is excited to have reached this significant milestone with the Malindi project. Working with our partners, we are very pleased to contribute to sustainable economic development in Kenya and look forward to continued growth in sub-Saharan Africa.”

The engineering, procurement and construction company Sterling along with Wilson Solar are commencing with civil and electrical construction works.

Land rights, environmental and local permits have been obtained, and the project team has been conducting regular community consultations.  Construction will take around twelve months with the plant reaching commercial operations in mid-2020.

It is expected the project will need around 250 workers during construction, many of which will be hired from the local community. Globeleq will oversee the construction and operations of the power plant.

Author: Ashley Theron

This article was originally published on ESI Africa and is republished with permission with minor editorial changes.