Pan-African energy developer, BTE Renewables and Kenyan renewables developer, Craftskills announced that all 60 of the Kenya-based Kipeto Wind Farm’s wind turbines have started producing full power to the national grid and will power approximately 250,000 households.
The 100 MW Kipeto wind farm is located in Kajiado Country, south of Nairobi and is Kenya’s second largest wind power project after the 310 MW Lake Turkana project. Kipeto is BTE Renewbles’ fifth project to reach commercial operation in the last year, now having 384 MW in operation in Kenya and South Africa.
The Kipeto wind farm achieved financial close in December 2018. It was connected to the grid in January 2021 and has now reached commercial operation.
“I am very grateful for the ongoing support of the community of Kajiado, which has been paramount for our success. Now we are providing clean and sustainable energy for the people of Kenya with the support of KPLC and Ketraco,” said Chairman and Director of Kipeto Energy Plc and Director of Craftskills, Dr. Kenneth Namunje.
Robert Skjodt, CEO of BTE Renewables added that, “The completion of Kipeto is a testament to the strong and spirited resilience of the Kipeto team, and the support and dedication of our engineering and construction partners, Worley, China Machinery, and Engineering Company and GE. Further, the completion during these challenging times required support from KPLC, Ketraco, and the community of Kajiado. As BTE Renewables, we are immensely proud of now having completed five wind and solar projects under these very challenging circumstances.”
The project is financed by Actis-backed BTW Renewables (88%) and Craftskills Ltd. (12%) along with senior debt from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and on-demand insurance from the African Trade Insurance Agency. Furthermore, Kipeto has partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development to develop its Biodiversity Action Plan.