Google has put clear its intentions to invest in the Kenyan energy sector in efforts to bring much needed capacity and stability in power supply.
In an investment that will see the company inject up to $40 Million in Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, reliance on fossil fuels and emergency diesel generation is anticipated to go drop.
Google will join a diverse group of international investors in the project, including the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the U.S. government’s development finance institution, and Vestas, which is also supplying the turbines for the wind farm.
Google becomes the first U.S. private investor to support the project an opportunity for the technology company to pioneer in the fastest growing economy with a promising universal energy access.
“Since investing in the continent’s largest solar project, we’ve continued to see a big opportunity in fast-growing markets with rich renewable energy resources, where both the need and the potential are tremendous,” said Joseph Mucheru, Google Energy Lead for Africa.
The construction of the Lake Turkana Wind Project at Loiyangalani in Marsabit County is expected to spur additional energy development in the region, and will be supported by construction of 266-mile transmission line.
Globally, Google has committed more than $2 Billion to advance 22 clean energy projects. Last year, Google reiterated its commitment by closing its first renewable energy investment in Africa: a $12 million investment in the 96-MegaWatt solar photovoltaic plant; dubbed: The Jasper Power Project.
By investing in South Africa’s Jasper Power Project and the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, Google now supports both the largest solar and wind farm projects in Africa whilst accelerating the deployment of renewable energy in emerging markets.
The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project will be the largest wind farm in Africa once complete, and will generate an equivalent of 15% of Kenya’s current grid capacity.
