Firms tap solar to cut cost, boost reliability
Appetite for solar energy is soaring as more manufacturers seek reliable and cheaper supply of energy in a move that further erodes Kenya Power’s core customer base.
Giant shoe manufacturer, Umoja Rubber in Mtwapa, Kilifi county is set to join the group after seeking authorisation from the Energy and Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to tap solar energy for own consumption.
In a public notice by Umoja Rubber chief engineer Vinay Prakash Yadav on local dailies, the company applied for a permission to generate 105 Kilowatts solar power generation for self consumption.
“Notice is hereby given that Umoja Rubber products, a limited liability company having its registered office in Kikambala, Mombasa, Malindi Road, in the Republic of Kenya Pursuant to the provisions of section 119(3) of the energy Act,2019, will make an application to the energy and Petroleum and regulatory Authority for the electric power 1050 Kw Solar power generation for self consumption,” reads the notice dated April 10.
Awaiting EPRA nod
The company issued a grace period of 30 days to concerned individuals to file their views for consideration before the project kicks off, if the energy regulator will granted it permission.
Umoja rubber which is a multi-million and the leading footwear manufacturing company in Mombasa and Kilifi counties is also joined by St Joseph Catholic Church Tudor, Mombasa in the adoptation of solar energy after opening a multi-million project in Tudor Mombasa.
The Sh150 million state- of- the-art Bishop Butler Wing has been installed with solar system power generation which produces about 90 kilowatts per day, running the entire facility, including the lifts and all 48 self contained units.
“The electricity was very expensive, and that is why as a church we have invested in over 280 solar panels to subsidise the power supply in the entire church compound.
The solar power is also environmentally friendly,” Mombasa Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva said.
Already, devolved governments are shifting to solar-powered streetlights to cut down electricity bills. In Mombasa, for example sections of the streets are using solar powered security lights.
Kiambu County
Kiambu County has signed a Sh120 million deal with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), to install solar-powered street lights in a bid to cut the huge electricity bills it pays Kenya Power.
According to Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa chapter chairman Mustapha Ramadhan says many manufacturers are moving to solar power as power tariffs are high.
He now wants the government to subsidise and put into consideration power declaration agreements so as to cushion consumers.
The official says manufacturing industries are the most affected due to bulky consumption of electric power.
“The government should subsidise the power tariffs because it has become so unbearable for commercial users, we manufacturers are suffering to meet the cost of operation due to high cost of power, it’s not competitive as compared to other neighboring countries,” said Ramadhan.
In the 2019 National Census report, the solar lighting uptake in homes was recorded at 19.3 per cent.
Rural areas recorded above 29.9 per cent, higher than the rural national grid connections that stood at 26 percent over the period.
Over 2.3 million households in the country rely on solar for lighting homes and powering businesses with demand for this renewable energy rising exponentially over the last few years.
