• Aagaard said his country has a very long history of integrating wind.
• “We have 50 per cent of our electricity consumption coming from wind today,” he said.
Image: FILE
The Danish government has expressed its willingness to support the Kenyan government to tap renewable energy as a strategic solution to energy access, security and green growth.
Denmark's climate and energy minister Lars Aagaard said, “We have very good experience in integrating wind energy, and we also have companies and institutions that can provide financial support. We will help develop green electricity systems.”
Aagaard, who was speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing climate talks in Dubai, said his country has government-to-government agreements with several countries.
He said his country has a very long history of using wind energy.
“We have 50 per cent of our electricity consumption coming from wind today,” he said.
Aagaard said the cheapest way of producing electricity on large-scale is by using solar and wind.
“Going green is something that will protect the competitiveness of our future and our economy. We all want to live in a secure world. Climate change is a challenge for all of us,” he said.
Aagaard said going green will be a source of income for many societies, adding that electric mobility will be more cost-effective.
During the ongoing talks, countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Japan, Canada, Chile and Barbados have been urging nations to commit to doubling their energy efficiency by 2030.
The International Energy Agency says the global renewable energy supply from solar, wind, hydro and geothermal sources rose last year by eight per cent.
Estimates from Kenya show that the total installed energy capacity comprises 863MW of geothermal, 838MW of hydro, 436MW of wind, 2MW of biomass, 173MW of solar and 678MW of thermal.
Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority director for partnerships and public awareness Edward Mayaka lauded the commitments that have been given by governments, industry, civil organisations and other stakeholders.
“Nuclear energy offers several advantages in the context of addressing climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power plants generate electricity through a process that produces virtually no direct carbon emissions," Mayaka said.
"This characteristic alone makes nuclear energy an attractive option for countries striving to reduce their carbon footprint and meet ambitious emissions reduction targets.”
Analysts say nuclear power plants have a cost advantage in addition to a remarkable track record of reliability and stability.
They provide a steady source of electricity, which can be critical for developing nations looking to build resilient energy infrastructure capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.