Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has been appointed as the Implementing Agency for the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as part of the Kenya Green and Resilient Expansion of Energy (GREEN) program, funded by the World Bank.
Battery storage systems are devices that the power generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to be stored and released when needed. This means that power from renewable energy can then be distributed, including to support the national grid, and for other transmission-related services.
KenGen is currently considering pilot installation of the BESS capacity for several key regions, including Central Rift, Coastal Region, Mount Kenya, Nairobi, North Rift, and Western Kenya. The specific project site selection will depend on a forthcoming Feasibility Study (FS), conducted by KenGen and designated FS Consultants.
- Preliminary findings from the analysis have identified the critical need for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within the national electricity infrastructure.
- The BESS will serve as a crucial repository for surplus energy generated from geothermal and Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) sources, enabling improved electricity service delivery to Kenyans.
- In a statement, KenGen said that the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been formulated to achieve the overarching objective of effective stakeholder engagement, public information disclosure and consultation throughout the project’s lifecycle.
“By efficiently storing surplus energy and enhancing electricity stability and reliability, the BESS project will not only alleviate energy curtailment but also usher in a new era of sustainability and energy security,” KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Peter Njenga said.
“This endeavor represents a pivotal step towards achieving a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Kenya,” he added.
