Name and Location
Kipeto wind power project, Kenya.

Client
Kipeto Energy is the special vehicle incorporated for the implementation of the project, comprising African Infrastructure Investment Fund 2, (lead developer of the project, with 55% ownership) and Craftskills Wind Energy International (a local developer, with 20% ownership).

Project Description
The project entails the development, construction and operation of a 102 MW wind farm located at Kipeto, about 70 km south-west of Nairobi, in Kenya’s Rift Valley province. The project will comprise 63 wind turbine generators of 1.62 MW each, located on a 70 km² land area. The turbines will have a hub height of 80 m, a blade length of 51.5 m, a rotor diameter of 103 m and an overall height not exceeding 131.5 m. The main activities of the project include a turbine corridor of 63 wind turbines, internal access roads to all turbines, a substation, underground cabling between the turbines and to the substation, and a 17 km 220 kV trans-mission line to the main Nairobi Namanga road within a 60 m wayleave.

Construction of the transmission line will form part of the project, which will be handed over to the Kenya Power & Lighting Company for ongoing operation and maintenance. The project is expected to achieve estimated emission reductions of about 254 125 t of carbon dioxide a year.

Value
Total project costs are estimated at $316-million.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The International Finance Corporation is considering an equity investment of $20.5-million in the project.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
General Electric (turbines).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Kipeto project director Tony van Englen, tel +254 720 606 631 or email tony.vanengelen@aiimaafrica.com.
General Electric (Kenya), tel + 254 20 421 5000 .