GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar industry, and KEREA, the Kenya Renewable Energy Association, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to propel the Productive Use of Solar Energy in Kenya over the next four years. Supported by the IKEA Foundation, this collaboration aims to harness the income-generating potential of renewable technologies, particularly solar, to bring modern, clean energy benefits to a larger portion of the Kenyan population.
The key objectives of the partnership include:
- Enhancing Collaboration: Fostering collaboration between government representatives and off-grid solar companies in Kenya to ensure a unified approach towards the productive use of renewable energy.
- Enabling Environment: Improving the national-level enabling environment for the Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) markets by facilitating coordination between government agencies and various stakeholders.
- Market Data Availability: Increasing the availability of critical market data and actionable insights for PURE, promoting a deeper understanding of appliances, products, and solutions deployed in the country.
- PURE Ecosystem Improvement: Overall enhancement of the PURE ecosystem to boost food security, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
Jeff Vanden Berghe, Acting CEO of KEREA, highlighted Kenya’s historical innovation in renewable energy, specifically the widespread adoption of solar energy for domestic use. He emphasized the paramount importance of the productive use of renewable energy for driving economic development and prosperity in the country.
Key Facts on Productive Uses of Solar Energy in Kenya:
- Solar Irrigation for Agriculture: With 7.5 million smallholder farmers in Kenya, solar irrigation holds significant promise for improving agricultural production, diversifying crops, and ensuring food security.
- Solar Cooling Solutions: Solar-powered cooling technologies, including DC fridges and solar cold rooms, play a crucial role in preserving dairy, meat, fish, and fresh produce, reducing food waste, and enhancing farmers’ incomes.
- Health Sector Applications: Solar energy is increasingly being utilized in hospitals and health centers for lighting, with emerging applications for preserving vaccines, medicines, and samples.
- MSMEs Empowerment: Solar energy kits, lanterns, and home systems are empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by extending operational hours and providing clean energy solutions for businesses such as salons, beauty centers, and entertainment venues.
Jolanda van Ginkel, Programme Manager Renewable Energy at the IKEA Foundation, congratulated GOGLA and KEREA on the agreement, recognizing the potential of renewable energy to modernize agriculture, stimulate enterprise, and support essential health services globally.
