A Kenyan firm, Saigrene Energy Kenya Limited has been selected to develop five river-based hydroelectric plants in Kenya. The feasibility studies will be performed by a US company in collaboration with Kenyan consultants.
The United States Trade Development Agency (USTDA) said it had given an undisclosed amount of funding to Saigrene Energy Kenya Limited. The grant for the study would eventually lead to the development of run-of-river hydroelectric plants at five sites in Central Kenya.
Benefits of the study
“USTDA will support the study that will provide opportunities for the US to supply products and services while advancing Kenya’s power goals,” said Lida Fitts, USTDA regional director for sub-Saharan Africa.
Additionally, the study will evaluate the viability of the sites for power generation and examine “the best approach” for connecting the sites to Kenya’s national grid. Not only will there be opportunities for the use of high quality US equipment and expertise but the plants will also provide numerous benefits to the local community.
These benefits include job creation and technical skills training for the youth; this is according to Paulo Gonçalves, Chief Executive Officer at Saigrene Energy Kenya Limited.
Power Africa
In September last year, the US government announced support for six renewable energy projects in Kenya as part of Power Africa. Power Africa is a project that was born by former US President Barack Obama in 2013 to develop reliable, affordable, and sustainable power in Africa.
About USTDA
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies.
In summary, the USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
