Kipeto wind farm connects to Kenya’s power grid
Kenya, Nairobi: Kipeto Energy Plc (KEP), today announced it has connected Kipeto wind farm to the national grid and will start generating power in the next week.
Image source: ESI Africa
Kenya, Nairobi: Kipeto Energy Plc (KEP), today announced it has connected Kipeto wind farm to the national grid and will start generating power in the next week.
KEP has connected a 17 km (220 KV) high voltage transmission line, linking the facility to the national grid at the Isinya Substation, and signalling the start of the go-live process.
The project’s 60 GE 1.7-103 wind turbines, each capable of producing 1.7 MW, will be switched on in stages as part of a gradual ramp-up process, with all commercial tests due to be concluded within the next few months.
Located in Kajiado county, Kipeto is Kenya’s second-largest wind power project. It has a 20-year power purchase agreement with KPLC, and once it is at full capacity, Kipeto will generate 100 MW of clean wind energy for the Kenyan people, providing power to the equivalent of approximately 250,000 households. This will be a significant contribution to Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Big Four Agenda.
Dr Kenneth Namunje, chairman and director of Kipeto Energy Plc commented: “First and foremost I would like to thank the local community for their ongoing support of this project, which has been paramount from day one. Now, with the assistance of KPLC and Ketraco, we’re delighted that this final connection and energisation sees the transmission line and associated equipment being handed over this week to KPLC for future care and operation.”
Robert Skjodt, CEO of BioTherm Energy also commented: “We are proud to have completed the construction of the Kipeto wind project to the highest standards with strong support from our engineering and construction partners from Worley, China Machinery and Engineering Company and GE, as well as the local community to maintain strict safety protocols throughout construction. We are excited to be contributing to Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals and Big Four Agenda and demonstrating that solar and wind are cheaper sources of electricity than traditional fossil fuel-based power plants with a significant positive impact in the local communities.”
Source: ESI Africa