USTDA has picked Saigrene Energy Kenya Limited to conduct the feasibility study on a US-backed renewable project.
The agency said the study would evaluate the viability of the sites for power generation and examine “the best approach” for connecting the sites to Kenya’s national grid.
An American trade agency has picked a Kenyan firm to conduct the feasibility study on a US-backed renewable project to develop five river-based hydroelectric power plants in Kenya.
The United States Trade Development Agency (USTDA) said in a statement it had provided an undisclosed amount of funding to Saigrene Energy Kenya Limited in grant form for the study that would eventually lead to the development of run-of-river hydroelectric plants at five unnamed sites in Kenya.
“USTDA is pleased to support this important study that will provide opportunities for US industry to supply products and services while advancing Kenya’s power goals,” said Lida Fitts, USTDA regional director for sub-Saharan Africa.
The agency said the study would evaluate the viability of the sites for power generation and examine “the best approach” for connecting the sites to Kenya’s national grid.
The five plants are expected to collectively add about 17 megawatts of renewable energy to Kenya’s generation mix, added the US agency.
The study is expected to pave the way for US equipment manufacturers and service providers to outfit the hydroelectric plants.
“In addition to providing opportunities for the use of high quality US equipment and expertise, the plants will also provide numerous benefits to the local community, such as job creation, and technical skills training for the youth,” said Paulo Gonçalves, chief executive at Saigrene Energy Kenya Limited.
The US engineering and environmental consultancy, Knight Piésold (Denver, CO), was selected to offer advice on the technical details of the proposed projects.
In September, the US government announced support for six renewable energy projects in Kenya as part of Power Africa — an initiative launched by former US President Barack Obama in 2013 to develop reliable, affordable, and sustainable power in Africa.
The deals signed during a US-Africa Business Forum held in New York and attended by Kenya’s deputy President-elect William Ruto would see the firms develop solar, wind, hydro, gas and geothermal stations adding to the country’s diversified power mix.
They included the development of 10-megawatt hydropower at Gitaru.
PAYE Tax Calculator
Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.
