Did you know the East African Community (EAC) region has one of the world’s most renewable-dominated power systems, with 81.41% of installed capacity coming from clean energy sources such as hydro, geothermal, wind, solar and biomass?
What Makes The EAC Energy Mix Unique?
The EAC region’s energy landscape stands out because hydro-power, geothermal, wind, solar and biomass collectively provide the bulk of grid-connected electricity, dramatically reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the DRC (as a new member) tap their rivers, rift valleys, sun and agricultural residues to build a resilient low‑carbon power system.
Main Renewable Energy Sources In The EAC
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Hydropower: Large and small hydro plants along major rivers such as the Nile, Kagera, Rufiji and others supply a significant share of the region’s electricity, especially in Uganda and Tanzania.
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Geothermal: Kenya’s geothermal fields in the Rift Valley, led by the Olkaria complex, provide reliable baseload generation, cushioning the grid from seasonal rainfall variability that affects hydro.
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Wind: Projects like the Lake Turkana Wind Power plant in Kenya showcase high-capacity wind corridors that complement hydro and geothermal in the regional mix.
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Solar: Grid‑tied and off‑grid solar plants and mini‑grids in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda expand access to electricity in rural and peri‑urban areas that historically relied on diesel and kerosene.
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Biomass: Bagasse from sugar mills, agricultural residues and sustainably managed wood fuels contribute to heat and power, especially in agro‑industrial value chains.
Policy Support And Regional Cooperation
The EAC has adopted regional strategies to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, encouraging member states to scale up modern energy services and cross‑border power trade. Draft regional renewable energy policies and power‑pooling arrangements aim to harmonize standards, encourage private investment and enable surplus renewable power from one country to be exported to another.
Economic And Social Benefits Of High Renewable Shares
A renewable‑heavy mix helps EAC countries save foreign exchange by reducing imports of oil and diesel for power generation. Expanding hydropower, geothermal, wind and solar also supports industrialization, agro‑processing and digital services by improving grid stability and lowering long‑term generation costs.
Job creation is another benefit, with thousands of positions emerging in project development, construction, operation and maintenance of renewable plants and associated transmission infrastructure. Off‑grid and mini‑grid solar systems improve energy access in rural communities, powering schools, health centres and small businesses and supporting inclusive growth.
Challenges And Future Outlook For EAC Renewable Energy
Despite the 81.41% renewable share in installed capacity, challenges remain, including financing gaps, grid integration of variable wind and solar, and climate‑induced variability in hydro-power resources. Investments in transmission inter-connectors, regional power markets, energy storage and diversified portfolios (geothermal, solar, wind and flexible hydro) are vital to maintain reliability as demand grows.
Looking ahead, regional strategies and investment prospectuses indicate that East Africa plans to further expand its renewable capacity, positioning the EAC as a continental leader in clean energy while supporting economic transformation and climate goals. This makes the 81.41% renewable share not just an impressive statistic but a foundation for a greener and more resilient future for the region
