Today is Global Wind Day, which is observed annually on June 15th around the world.
The day is dedicated to learning about wind energy and its potential to reshape energy systems, decarbonize economies, and boost both employment and growth.
This year’s commemoration will focus on celebrating and enjoying the benefits of wind energy, as well as educating individuals about the power and potential of wind energy to change the world.
The goal of this day is to raise public awareness of wind energy and its applications as a viable alternative to fossil fuels because it is abundant, renewable, widely distributed, clean, emits no greenhouse gases while in operation, and requires little land.
When it comes to wind energy production, Kenya ranks first among African countries.
The Lake Turkana Wind Plant (LTWP) with a capacity of 310 MW is its claim to fame.
With 365 wind turbines, each with an 850k capacity, the project is the largest of its kind on the continent. In 2019, the LTWP supplied approximately 1.5 billion kWh of electricity, meeting up to 30% of Kenya’s off-peak demand and 17% of its peak demand.
In that year, the wind farm had a capacity factor of around 57 percent, well above the global average of 28-40 percent.
Prior to the LTWP, Kenya only had one wind plant with a capacity of 25.5 MW on the Ngong Hills, but it now has a pipeline of projects in the works.
The Kipeto Wind Plant in Kajiado, which will have a capacity of 100MW, will be the next plant to be commissioned.
A total of 251 MW is expected to be installed over the next three years through six other projects.
