County Govts Urged to Invest More in Solar Energy - kenyadetails

COUNTY governments have been urged to invest in solar energy to increase the national power grid. The chance comes after an American-Taiwanese company, Ergon Solair, signed a co-operation memorandum with the East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture to promote the development of additional 2,000 megawatts in Kenya.

The company also targets to increase the national power grid in Tanzania and Uganda. The EACCIA chairman James Mureu said: "The signed memorandum allows Ergon Solair to move across the counties in Kenya and identifies solar energy potential.

It is upon counties to prioritise solar energy to help increase the national power grid.

" He added the company has also signed respective agreements with country entities like the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. The aim to stimulate and assist the member states in the region to create solar energy solutions in the region.

In Kenya, irrigation projects like the Galana irrigation project is targeted to increase food production through the use of solar energy. Currently Kenya has 1,500 megawatts of electricity while Vision 2030 envisages a 6,000 megawatts addition to the power grid.

Ergon Solair has its headquarters in Nairobi with 30 years experience in solar business, and expects county governments to seize the opportunity in a Public Private Partnership or Build Operate Transfer arrangements.