Solar Energy

Solar energy is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, offering a clean, renewable and sustainable energy solution.

This lever is set at AMBITION LEVEL:

This lever allows you to select how much electricity is generated from solar energy by setting an ambition level for this source of low-carbon electricity by 2050, ranging from level 1 (minimum effort) to level 4 (maximum effort).

Solar energy is a renewable source that generates greenhouse gas-free electricity. However, its production relies on sunlight, resulting in intermittent output with darkness and cloud cover. Intermittency can be addressed through strategies like electricity import/export, battery storage, or demand side response. Domestic solar panels with batteries are increasingly utilized to power appliances and electric vehicles. Excess summer electricity can potentially be converted into stored hydrogen to meet higher winter electricity demand. As of 2015, Kenya had 9.5 GW of installed solar energy capacity, capable of generating over 9 TWh annually.

1.669 GW capacity by 2050 (33.4x the 0.1 GW capacity in 2015) capable of generating up to 3TWh per year.

2.645 GW capacity by 2050 (52.9x the 0.1 GW capacity in 2015) capable of generating up to 5TWh per year.

3.307 GW capacity by 2050 (66.1x the 0.1 GW capacity in 2015) capable of generating up to 6TWh per year.

4.414 GW capacity by 2050 (88.3x the 0.1 GW capacity in 2015) capable of generating up to 8TWh per year.

Interaction with other levers

Electricity demand will increase if transport and heating is electrified. The impact on emissions of meeting this demand will depend on the levels chosen across all the Electricity levers. Any outstanding electricity demand will be met with gas fired electricity generation, which will result in CO2 emissions unless Carbon Capture is applied.