Here Is Why KenGen Is The Future of Clean Energy In Kenya

Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) stands as the bridge to the future of clean energy in Kenya and probably beyond the borders. Across the world, sustainable microgrids are emerging as a vital tool in the fight against climate change and increasingly common natural disasters. In the wake of hurricanes (US), earthquakes, and wildfires, the traditional energy grid in many parts of the country is struggling to keep the power flowing, causing outages that slow local economies and ultimately put lives at risk.In January this year, Australian startup Relectrify closed $4.5 million in Series A funding to continue refining their inverter and battery-management technology that increases battery lifespan by as much as 30% while reducing operational costs.

KenGen Energy

There are a large number of projects that can offer a cost-effective contribution to further development, making the energy transition more sustainable. The first-half net profit to December 2019 surged 98 percent to Sh8.17 billion boosted by tax savings and drilling works in Ethiopia. The growth, from the Sh4.12 billion profit in the half-year 2018, lifted the Ken Gen’s bottom-line beyond the Sh7.88 billion it earned for the full-year ending June last year.

“The increase is as a result of capital allowances arising from the completion of Olkaria V,” the firm’s managing director Rebecca Miano said.

KenGen received a tax credit of Sh1.85 billion from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) during the six-month period. This is in contrast with the preceding similar period when it had paid the same amount to KRA.

The tax credit was on account of completing Olkaria V geothermal power plant with a capacity of 165 megawatts (MW) in November last year. KRA allows for investment deduction of up to 150 percent allowance on such capital expenditures.

Managing Director Rebbecca Miano said other Ken gen’s income grew by Sh268 million or 127 percent to Sh479 million as a result of having clinched two drilling contracts in Ethiopia. Capital Markets Authority (CMA) gave KenGen a go-ahead to release both the half-year and full-year results at the same time.

The results are unaudited since the government is yet to appoint an auditor general after the office was left vacant following the retirement of Edward Ouko last year. The electricity generator full-year to June 2019 net profit dropped marginally from Sh7.891 billion to Sh7.884 billion on higher operating costs.

However, Ms Miano said the firm sees increased revenue going forward hinged on increased power sales and the revenue diversification strategy.

The firm is still constructing 83MW Olkaria I unit 6 geothermal plant. The plant is said to be the next phase of second-generation power production.

“We have ongoing geothermal drilling and consultancy services projects in Ethiopia and Kenya. These initiatives are expected to have a positive contribution to our future performance,” said Ms Miano.

Ken Gen’s facilities are routinely called upon to burn some of the most environmentally harmful fuels to accommodate demand with few if any social or technological limitations. Ken Gen is finally becoming truly affordable, and in the process, we are beginning to change the way we think about energy consumption and resilience.