Companies

Chloride wins deal to install power backup units for KWFT

KVA

A 20 KVA solar power system supplied and installed by Chloride Exide that replaced a diesel generator at the Lokichoggio Airport. The company has won a multi-million-shilling contract to install power backup systems in all branches of KWFT. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Chloride Exide has won a multi-million-shilling contract to install power backup systems in all branches of Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT), expected to minimise disruptions of the financier’s services. Each of the microfinance firm’s 70 outlets in the country will be fitted with a three-kilowatt power system including a battery bank to provide standby energy for selected appliances.

The off-grid power system to be installed by Chloride for an estimated Sh15 million will deliver automatic power to KFWT’s ICT network and other sensitive electronic equipment whenever there disruptions to Kenya Power’s supply. This will protect KWFT’s equipment against damage besides ensuring continuous productivity even during power outages.

“KWFT facilities have in the past experienced frequent power blackouts which had an adverse impact on their banking services,” said Tim Jessop, Chloride’s general manager.

“The backup system helps to eliminate this problem and reduces the long queues in the KWFT banking halls caused by power failures.”

Benefiting firms

Inadequate and unreliable power supply from the national grid has opened opportunities for firms offering backup and alternative electrical solutions, including vendors of generators and solar systems.

Kenya’s installed electricity capacity now stands at about 1,658 megawatts (MW) against peak demand of 1,221MW. But a heavy reliance on hydro power generation often pulls total production capacity down to below peak demand during dry seasons, forcing the injection of up to 120MW of expensive thermal power.

Peak electricity demand is projected to grow to 15,066 MW by 2030, with the government expecting the country’s electricity capacity to hit 17,764 MW by that time.

Currently only 30 per cent of Kenyans have access to electricity, according to official estimates. The government has set a target of providing electricity to half of Kenya’s population by 2030 as part of its long-term development plan.

The pressure on the national grid has seen the government enact laws requiring that new buildings install solar-based water heating systems, further benefiting firms like Chloride.