Wind energy would form a substantial portion of Kenya’s planned 5 000 MW power generation capacity increase expected to take place over the next 40 months, Kenya Energy Ministry acting director for renewable energy Isaac Kiva said on Friday.

To this end, a high-level government delegation recently participated in an European study tour facilitated by the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA), as part of a programme organised by wind energy development and technical service provider Windforce Management, aimed at analysing and improving the conditions for wind power in Kenya.

Windforce Management had been contracted to analyse wind-data and propose a wind energy development plan and prospectus for Kenya.

Windforce Management chief mentor and cofounder Dr Jami Hossain said that after an elaborate country study of Kenyan wind resources was conducted, the company saw the need to connect the policymakers and main stakeholders in Kenya with the international wind industry.

The delegation, which comprised representatives from the Kenyan Energy Ministry, the Kenya Power and Lighting Company and the Energy Regulatory Commission of Kenya, visited Germany and Denmark to learn ways in which Kenya could optimise its national wind power strategy.

During the tour, the delegation visited wind companies, including developers, operators and equipment manufacturers, government agencies and international organisations and associations as well as research and training institutes.

Kiva said that the study tour helped Kenya to understand and appreciate the necessary policy and regulatory frameworks, as well as other key drivers for effective wind energy development programmes.

“Key elements of the tour were the understanding of advancement in wind energy grid integration technologies and arrangements, which make it possible to inject higher percentages of wind than previously conservatively stated," he said.

WWEA secretary general Stefan Gsänger stated that given that Kenya was setting up the correct policies in the near future, the country was about to become the wind power hub of East Africa.

“Considering the potential market size of several thousands of megawatts, Kenya may soon attract domestic as well as international investors in this sector on a large scale. We are more than happy to support Kenya in this process and make wind power available for the benefit of the people of the country,” he said.

Hossain added that Kenya’s wind power potential was tremendous and that Windforce Management’s study had identified many sites in the country which could be used to significantly enhance availability of power in grid-connected and off grid modes.