Empower New Energy has secured an Electricity Generation License from Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for its 4 MWp solar power plant and announced the signing of a new USD 2.5 million solar project contract with Abyssinia Group of Industries, East Africa’s largest steel manufacturer. This latest investment is projected to cut approximately 3,500 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, directly supporting Kenya’s commitment to achieve a 32% emissions reduction target under the Paris Agreement.
The newly signed 25-year solar power supply contract, with a 4 MWp capacity, builds on three existing agreements totaling 5 MWp that Empower New Energy already supplies to Abyssinia’s steel factory in Awasi. This expansion reflects a strong and deepening partnership between the two companies, underscoring their shared commitment to driving clean energy adoption in the region. Once the full 9 MWp solar facility in Awasi is completed, it is expected to generate about 14 GWh of renewable electricity each year. This output will significantly reduce dependence on grid electricity and diesel generators while saving over 7,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
Terje Osmundsen, Chief Executive Officer of Empower New Energy, stated, “This fourth solar project with Abyssinia Group is a testimony of the mutual benefits of our partnership. Together, we are building one of the largest industrial solar portfolios in Kenya, improving the environmental performance while supporting the competitiveness of a leading manufacturer”.
Jateen Patel, Chief Executive Officer of Abyssinia Group of Industries, mentioned, “This forth investment by Empower New Energy reflects the trust and results we have built together over time. Reliable and affordable energy is critical for steel production, and by expanding our renewable power portfolio, we are reducing costs, cutting carbon, and showing that heavy industry in Africa can lead the way toward a cleaner future”.
Berjeesh D Surty, Managing Director of Spenomatic, also added, “We are excited to collaborate with Empower New Energy and Abyssinia Steel on this transformative solar project. Together, we set a benchmark for clean energy adoption in the industrial sector.”
Abyssinia Group of Industries (AGI) is a leading steel producer in East Africa, with an annual production capacity nearing one million metric tons across its manufacturing and mining operations in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. By signing this new solar contract, Abyssinia strengthens its position as a pioneer in the transition toward 100% renewable energy use for its operations.
The ground-mounted solar plant will be constructed and operated by Spenomatic, a prominent Nairobi-based solar engineering and contracting company. Spenomatic has also successfully delivered the previous three solar projects for Abyssinia, ensuring consistent quality and operational excellence as the partnership continues to expand its clean energy footprint in the region.
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