KenGen is planning to raise Ksh 5.7 billion for the proposed 45-megawatt solar plant which is expected to be complete in 14 months. The electricity producing company is seeking funds from the World Bank, French Development agency and KfW of Germany.
The county government of Embu has already identified 600 acres of land in Machang’a area in the county for solar power generation.
The firm will sign a power purchasing agreement (PPA) with KPLC, which will specify the cost of tariffs to be sold to KPLC and later distributed to homes and businesses. Currently cost of feed-in-tariffs for 10-40MW go for Ksh 12 per unit.
The construction of the 40 megawatt solar power will complement existing hydro power generation sources.
Feasibility studies began in November last year which were funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAid) among others.
KenGen had disclosed last year that the tarmacking of a 21 km road in Mutuovake in Kiambera Ward at a cost of Ksh340 million had started. Once complete, the road is expected to ease transportation in the county, especially in the areas where the hydroelectric dams are located.
