The 100MW Kipeto Wind Power has been completed. African developer BTE Renewables and Kenyan-owned renewable developer Craftskills announced that all the 60 wind turbines are now connected to the national grid.
The Kipeto project reached financial close in December of 2018, connected to the grid in January 2021 and has now reached commercial operation with all the turbines under the 20 year Power Purchase Agreement with Kenyan utility, KPLC.
The project is funded by equity from Actis-backed BTE Renewables (88%) and Kenyan-owned Craftskills Limited (12%) alongside senior debt from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (“DFC”), the US Government’s development finance institution, and African Trade Insurance Agency (“ATI”) is providing an on-demand insurance product for the project. Kipeto has further partnered with USAID Power Africa in developing its Biodiversity Action Plan.
Clean and sustainable energy
The power plant will provide power to the equivalent of approximately 250,000 households. It is Kipeto is BTE Renewables’ fifth project to reach commercial operations in the last year, now having 384MW in operations in Kenya and South Africa.
“Today is a proud day for Kipeto and the local community of Kajiado as we enter into commercial operation after a 12-year journey. I am very grateful for the ongoing support of the community of Kajiado, which has been paramount for our success. Now we are providing clean and sustainable energy for the people of Kenya with the support of KPLC and Ketraco,” said Dr. Kenneth Namunje, Chairman and Director of Kipeto Energy Plc and Director of Craftskills.
