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China-Africa Trade Information Service
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The flower exporter Oserian Development Company has launched a new solar power plant with a capacity of 1 MW. Combined with existing geothermal power generation, the company will produce enough renewable energy for tenants and residents of local industrial parks.
Speaking during the launch in Naivasha, managing director Neil Heilings said renewable energy was the way to go to reduce the cost of power, a big hurdle to Kenya's development. "The initiative supports Kenya's Agenda 4 - providing cheaper renewable energy for industrial take-off."
The power plant has been developed in partnership with Premier Solar, Solarise, Oloidien Engineering & Estate, and Dubai Carbon.
The event was presided over by Nakuru County Governor, Lee Kinyanjui. Kinyanjui said his government will support the private sector to steer development in the region, expressing pride that Nakuru County was home to the largest geothermal plant in Africa, and fourth in the world.
With the solar plant, Oserian has moved closer to its 2020 Vision of being a carbon-free environment. The firm introduced geothermal powered tugs (trucks) two years ago that transport flowers from greenhouses to the pack house, a development that has saved about 300,000 litres of diesel leading to massive savings and a cleaner environment.
Further, with geothermal heating, Oserian has reduced use of synthetic pesticides to control pests and diseases by regulating humidity in the greenhouses.
Premier Solar managing director, Rupesh Hidocha said Kenya has a naturally rich solar and wind resource which should be harnessed for renewable energy generation.