Kenya’s renewable energy sector has been positioned for international recognition and improved investments following a move by the International Tracking Standard Foundation to name the Energy and Regulatory Authority as the local issuer of the International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC(E).
Participation in the I-REC system differentiates Kenya in the energy market, which is key to attracting environmentally conscious investors looking to support sustainable energy initiatives in the country, thereby stimulating job creation and driving economic development in the sustainable energy sector.
Mr Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, the Director General, EPRA welcomed the development saying this was in line with EPRA’s mandate of promoting the adoption of renewable and sustainable energy to enhance its contribution to Kenya’s energy mix. Local application of I-RECs, he said, will help Kenya to meet international commitments and agreements related to the adoption of clean energy.
“Kenya is on the cusp of achieving 100% renewable energy electricity generation which currently stands at 84.65 percent contribution to the energy mix. We have remained steadfast in harnessing energy from renewable energy sources. Say, geothermal energy production surged by 21.84 percent,, and interconnected solar PV systems saw a substantial 41.84 percent increase while wind energy contributed 7.28 percent. The trajectory towards renewable energy is expected to persist as more power flows into the grid from geothermal sources,” he said.
EPRA will be tasked with inspecting energy generation facilities across Kenya to verify that the generation of electricity is from renewable sources. Until the process is finalised and EPRA is conferred as an issuer, the Green Certificate Company (GCC) is filling in the role, to allow for roles’ transfer to the EPRA when ready.
