As Kenya’s Lake Turkana wind farm continues to get underway, a new company has emerged planning an additional 300-MW wind energy project in the country. Gitson Energy, comprised of locals and US-based Kenyans, received government approval to set up a wind farm.
Michael Nderito, Gitson founder, told Reuters in November that the project would require $1 billion with the feasibility study already underway. Gitson consulted British firm Garrad Hassan to carry out the pre-feasibility studies and were talking to a Belgian firm to advise them on the carbon credits side of the project.
“We have successfully obtained a formal approval to develop 300 MW wind farm from Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Energy,” said Cyrus Thairu, Gitson Energy’s communications director.
The company also stated that it was in the process of negotiating with Kenya Power and Lighting Co. (KPLC) on a power purchase agreement (PPA) that will set the price at which electricity will be sold to the power distributor. “We have submitted our PPA proposal to KPLC leadership and we’re waiting for their response.” The company said it has also secured a commitment for transmission funding up to $200 million, but did not mention the source of that funding.
Subscribe to Alternative Energy