Nairobi play host to renewable energy summit, with PPPs key on the agenda

By Staff

The first Africa Renewable Energy Leaders’ Summit (ARELS) Tuesday kicked off in Nairobi with key among other topics being Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) which is seen as key ingredient to boosting renewable energy sector.

The two-day forum organized by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa attracted industry leaders and government representatives from Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda who are expected to discuss the present and future of green energy in East Africa.

“Power generation from renewable energy sources under the Feed-in Tariffs policy, an Instrument to promote private sector participation in renewable energy development, where Investors are required to propose the projects they will undertake under the Policy, at the pre-determined tariffs.

It applies to geothermal, wind, small hydro, solar and biomass,” said Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Minister Charles Keter.

Kenya has lined up a series of incentives already aimed at boosting the sector.

Key among the inducements include the proposed introduction of competitive bidding for projects through to the Energy Auction System for particular intermittent technologies, wind and solar to compliment the FiT policy, as well as plugging private sector into Geothermal development through concessioning of geothermal fields, whose policy is being finalized.

Kenya’s government is also in the process of launching the development Transmission lines which will be undertaken under PPP framework, facilitated through wheeling tariffs, as well as electrification of Off-grid areas- Mini-grids, solar home systems.

“Our compass for the socio-economic development of this country is the Vision 2030. One of the main catalysts to make Kenya an industrializing nation is renewable, sustainable, competitively priced and affordable energy,” said Principal Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Joseph K Njoroge.

Kenya needs an investment of USD52 billion to meet its 2015-2035 Generation and Transmission master plan, with power demand expected to rise to 4,732MW by 2030, according to ministry’s Director of Renewable Energy Isaac Kiva.

“Having adequate power from renewable sources will not only ensure security of supply and cost effective tariffs; it will enhance the competitiveness of Kenya, and facilitate its socio-economic transformation,” Kiva stated.

“Rapid population growth and urbanisation are boosting energy demand in East Africa. Renewable energy is the only viable solution to support the region’s sustainable development, preserving its natural ecosystem,” Josine Heijmans, Portfolio Exhibitions Director, stated.

“By facilitating networking, business and learning opportunities with industry stakeholders, we aim to provide an effective platform to gain on-the-ground insight into East Africa’s energy policies, opportunities and challenges directly from top-level regulators, policy makers and fund managers,” she said.

On the first day of the Summit, organiser dmg events also made a donation to the Safeguard Orphans Widows Organization (SOWO) in Kenya, ARELS’ official NGO partner. SOWO has a number of high-profile and successful programs, which also include the fight against energy poverty and climate change by increasing access to clean and affordable energy for the growing rural population.

“We firmly believe in making meaningful contribution back to the communities where we operate, and ARELS is no exception. Our partnership with the non-profit organisation SOWO falls in line with our company’s CSR program, supporting local development and economic growth,” Matt Denton, President – dmg events, Middle East and Africa, explained. “It is an honour to collaborate with SOWO, which also works in providing renewable, affordable energy to rural populations,” concluded Mr Denton.

“I would like to thank dmg events for their donation to SOWO in its continuous effort to improve the lives of many students and pupils who are orphans.  dmg events’  donation will go a long way in helping secure solar lamps that will assist the school children  in their studies, as they will no longer have to use kerosene  lamps, which are not only expensive,  but also a health hazard,” Ken Aim, CEO of SOWO Global, said.