Kenya Power warns rising wind, solar generation could hike electricity prices

Kenya Power is warning that the rapid increase in wind and solar power could put pressure on the stability of the national electricity grid and raise the cost of power.

The utility says Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) sources, mainly wind and solar, now account for about 21 per cent of the grid's capacity, above the 15 per cent level it considers ideal.

Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Dr. Eng. Joseph Siror described the current share as high, citing the unpredictable nature of wind and solar generation.

Unlike geothermal and hydro power, wind and solar generation can fluctuate depending on weather conditions. This means Kenya Power has to rely on other generation sources to quickly fill gaps when output from wind and solar drops.

Siror said the country therefore needs to increase investment in stable sources of electricity that can provide predictable output when required.

“The beauty of baseload is that we are guaranteed. If we know we require 2,300 megawatts tomorrow at this particular time, and you have baseload generation, you are actually able to produce this much,” he stated. 

Kenya Power said the fluctuations from renewable sources also require other power generators to remain on standby, adding to the cost of maintaining a reliable supply.

Siror compared the situation to having a backup vehicle ready to assist another vehicle that could stall at any time.

“It is like driving a car, but you know this car can stall anytime, so another vehicle follows behind you so that in the event it stalls, it can also assist you to reach your destination,” he said.

The utility said the challenge is becoming more significant as electricity demand continues to rise.

Peak demand has increased to 2,549 megawatts and is projected to reach about 2,680 megawatts in 2027.

At the same time, demand can fall to as low as 1,183 megawatts during off-peak periods, creating a gap of more than 1,300 megawatts between peak and minimum demand.

Kenya Power linked some power quality challenges, particularly in the Coast region and other parts of the country, to the growing penetration of variable renewable energy.

“The main reason for the challenge in power quality has to do with the penetration of VREs in the country,” Siror said.

The utility is now pushing for additional generation from more stable sources, including geothermal, hydro and nuclear power.

Additional geothermal generation from Olkaria and Menengai is in the pipeline, while Kenya is also expected to receive 200 megawatts of imported electricity from Ethiopia and 100 megawatts from Paka Silali.

Kenya Power also expects raising the Masinga Dam water level by 1.5 metres to increase hydroelectric generation.

The utility is also considering an LNG power plant that could be brought online quickly when electricity production from wind and solar falls.