Kenya, in partnership with Windlab East Africa, has began the construction of Africa’s first hybrid renewable energy facility in Meru County. The mega project will combine complementary wind and solar generation with battery storage.
Co-owned by The Meru County Investment and Development Corporation (MCIDC) and Windlab, the 80MW project will be a first in Africa.
“Meru County is blessed with excellent energy resources including both wind and solar. We are bringing our international experience of developing and implementing hybrid renewable energy facilities from Australia to Meru County, Kenya” said Windlab’s global CEO Mr Roger Price.
Douglas Kaume, a local engineer born and raised in Meru County who works at Windlab as a project developer, highlighted how important this project is for Athwana ward and beyond, stating “we are already seeing the benefit of Meru County’s partnership with Windlab on this project. I am proud to be an employee of Windlab and to see community investments and benefits already starting in the area even ahead of project construction which will commence in 2021”.
Windlab representatives have been to Meru County to check on the construction of a 120m wind monitoring mast, which will collect wind speeds and weather data, and to visit Laciathuriu Day Secondary School where the project has sponsored a school fence.
Mr David Mbatia, the Deputy Principle was in attendance to greet the guests that included Mr Jeremiah Lenya (CECM Lands, Physical Planning, Urban Development and Public Works), Mrs Felicity Biriri (Chairperson of MCIDC), Mr Stanlaus Apwokha (Deputy County Commissioner, Tigania West Sub County) and Chiefs from the project area. He expressed his gratitude for the project’s investment in improving the school facilities.
Meru County’s commitment to the exciting and innovative Meru County Energy Park project was once again confirmed by the Honourable Governor and Deputy Governor when they hosted the delegation of project partners from around the world, in the Governor’s office in Meru.
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