Establishing Renewable Energy Sources In Kenya
Ram Tumuluri “The energy sector in Kenya is largely dominated by petroleum and electricity, with wood fuel supplying the rural communities with their basic energy needs. This Project Development Programme (PDP) plays a huge role in meeting the country’s demand for renewable energy with German solutions through introducing and implementing renewable energy projects, knowledge transfer, capacity development and market growth. In this article, we will take deeper look at the current PDP Programmes”
The Project Development Programme (PDP)
Kenya has promising potential for renewable energy sources for power generation such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass. The country’s Project Development Programme (PDP) promotes the implementation of renewable energy technologies in developed and emerging countries as a viable alternative to traditional power generation. The PDP is introduced in partnership with the German Chambers of Commerce (AHKs) by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The PDP builds on existing development programmes and promotes the exchange of business relations and skills between local and German companies. Thus the PDP is a crucial foundation for the sustainable growth of the sector. The PDP is being introduced in selected countries in South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa at present.
PDP’s Approach Towards Market Development
The Project Development Program (PDP) helps German businesses entering new markets in developed and developing economies and developing ones. The markets in these countries are highly attractive and competitive at the same time, they present major challenges to companies in the form of political uncertainty, limited access to finance or lack of skilled personnel. The PDP develops solutions in cooperation with other GIZ projects and local German Chambers of Commerce abroad (the AHKs) to advance market growth, create partnerships between German and local businesses, and promote climate-friendly energy solutions.
The PDP Activities (Kenya)
The PDP activities are categorised into three interlocking units; Provision of information and matchmaking, Project and market development and complementary framework support. These activities promote business-to-business collaborations and the active participation of German companies in Kenya’s green energy and energy efficiency industry. This not only generates business for German companies and their local partners in Kenya, it also harnesses additional energy sources, develops the capacity to generate electricity, and facilitates technology transfer.