The Kenya Power and Lighting Company have issued an expression of interest from companies to finance, develop, and operate captive solar projects. These solar projects can range between 500kW and 10MW on a lease basis for its commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers. Shortlisted bidders will be issued a detailed Request of Proposal by Kenya Power, which would be selected on the basis of their technical and financial capabilities. Scope of work includes solar energy resource assessment, studies and design of grid interconnection, supply, installation, financing, testing, and commissioning of solar projects. Selected bidders also have to operate the project for 20 years. February 10, 2021, is the last date for submission of bids
For eligibility, applicants must have completed at least three solar power projects previously, with installed capacity between 500 kW and 10 MW. There should be experience in operation and maintenance of the solar projects for a minimum of two years. Further, applicants must also provide their audited financial accounts for the last 18 months, including details about company’s capital, turnover, and profit.
Last year, a tender for the design, supply, installation, training, and commissioning of a solar module manufacturing unit was issued by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company, with a yearly production capacity between 5 MW and 10 MW in February 2020. A grant of $ 760,000 to Empower New Energy was also approved in April 2020 by the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, managed by the African Development Bank.