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Graphic shows the vast scope of the wind farm and how it links to Kenya’s national grid system.
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ENVIRONMENT

Lake Turkana Wind Power scheme readies for production

By Ninian Carter

August 31, 2018 - Kenya’s long-delayed Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, sited at the foot of Mount Kulal, will deliver low cost electricity to the national grid.The massive power plant is the biggest single investment in Kenya’s history, costing approximately $680m. Its 365 wind turbines will provide 310MW of reliable electricity, enough to supply one million homes.

The government of Kenya expects construction of the Lake Turkana Wind Power Station to be completed by the end of August 2018, and that delivery of low cost electricity to the national grid will commence in September.

The project has been held up by the government component, a 428km transmission line to connect the Lake Turkana Wind Power project to the national grid. This has suffered numerous delays, ranging from land management issues with local communities to a key contractor filing for bankruptcy.

The Lake Turkana Wind Power project boasts 365 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 850kW. It will produce a total of 310MW electricity generation capacity, or 15 per cent of Kenya’s installed capacity at present.

The east African nation relies heavily on renewables such as geothermal and hydro power for its electricity supply and is investing in increasing electricity generation to keep up with growing demand for power and to reduce frequent blackouts.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 07/08/2018; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Vestas (handout)
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