Kenya Power says grid investment needed for renewable energy
Kenya Power Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eng. Joseph Siror said Kenya’s electricity relationship with Tanzania would also continue to change as generation capacity grows, with the country potentially switching between importing and exporting power depending on available supply.
NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Power has emphasized the necessity of expanding electricity infrastructure, boosting hydropower storage, and skillfully integrating solar and wind generation to maintain a stable power system as the nation develops its power capacity. During a media briefing on Tuesday, Kenya Power's Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Eng.
Joseph Siror, discussed the evolving electricity relationship with Tanzania, which may shift between importing and exporting power based on supply. Siror highlighted the proposed 1.5-meter extension of the Masinga Dam wall, which would significantly increase the reservoir's storage capacity for hydropower generation, especially crucial during dry periods.
He also pointed out the misconception that solar power is universally cheaper, as the true cost includes grid integration expenses. Siror stressed that solar and wind generation's variable output necessitates additional generation capacity to support the grid. Geothermal energy will continue to provide a consistent supply, essential for industrial stability.
While Kenya will utilize solar power, it must be balanced with dependable generation under the Least Cost Power Development Plan. In response to a neighboring country's blackout, Siror stated that the incident was an isolated technical issue, not a broader regional failure. Kenya Power is also addressing distribution-level problems, such as transformer failures caused by environmental factors and illegal connections.
These issues impact prepaid customers, who often face delays in receiving electricity tokens after using the *977# USSD service. Siror advised prepaid customers to use the MyPower application to retrieve their most recent token if they encounter delays.
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