•In a bid to advance Kenya’s energy sector, stakeholders have been urged to prioritize research and innovation, especially in emerging areas
•The conference, themed "The Energy Transition," spotlighted the critical role of research in areas such as energy storage, e-mobility, and local innovations for rural electrification.
Image: handout
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has called for action during the 2024 Research and Innovation Conference.
In a bid to advance Kenya’s energy sector, stakeholders have been urged to prioritise research and innovation, especially in emerging areas, to develop energy solutions that are affordable, accessible, and reliable.
The conference, themed "The Energy Transition," spotlighted the critical role of research in areas such as energy storage, e-mobility, and local innovations for rural electrification.
Epra's Director General Daniel Kiptoo, underscored the importance of focusing research efforts on these burgeoning sectors.
“As Kenya strives towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, the research community should focus their efforts on emerging areas of the energy transition," he said.
"This research has the potential to unlock innovative solutions that directly benefit Kenyan consumers by lowering costs, increasing access to clean energy, and creating a more secure and reliable power supply."
Kenya's unique energy challenges present ample opportunities for groundbreaking research.
Among the promising initiatives highlighted at the conference is the 100 MW Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) project, part of the Kenya Green and Resilient Expansion of Energy (GREEN) programme.
Developed through extensive research and innovation, the BESS project aims to optimise grid operations by storing excess energy for release during peak demand periods.
This system also provides a buffer against the intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, helping to stabilize the grid, reduce power outages, and ensure a more reliable energy supply for Kenyans.
“The BESS project is a testament to the power of research and innovation in addressing our unique energy needs,” Kiptoo added.
“By effectively managing our renewable energy resources, we can significantly improve grid stability and reliability, which is essential for our economic development.”
This year’s conference attracted a diverse group of researchers, university representatives, and industry innovators, all focused on promoting sustainable energy access, decarbonisation, and advancements in energy markets.
Through showcasing cutting-edge research and innovative solutions, the event aimed to inspire actionable strategies for building a sustainable energy future.
Kenya's energy sector has been making significant strides in recent years, with numerous initiatives aimed at increasing the adoption of renewable energy sources.
The GREEN programme, which includes the BESS project, represents a critical component of these efforts, leveraging research to drive practical and impactful solutions.
As Kenya continues to navigate its energy transition, the importance of research and innovation cannot be overstated.
The insights and collaborations fostered at the 2024 Research and Innovation Conference are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country’s energy landscape, ensuring that it is both sustainable and inclusive.
The core mandates of the Authority include tariff setting and review, licensing, enforcement, dispute resolution, approval of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Network Service Contracts. The Authority is also mandated to oversee the regulation of the upstream petroleum and gas sectors.
With the momentum generated by this conference, stakeholders are optimistic about the path ahead.