Reacting to the Kenyan Energy Regulatory Authority’s stern stance on withholding the License of Lamu Coal Power plant,
Greenpeace Africa’s Executive Director, Njeri Kabeberi has commended the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for withholding the licence of the proposed Lamu coal-fired power station.
Kabeberi says the decision has raised the importance of thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in ecologically sensitive regions like Lamu, and has set a clear precedent for fellow African countries.
“Kenya’s Energy Regulatory Commission has taken the right and just decision,” she said.
She added, “Greenpeace stands in solidarity with the Save Lamu Natural Justice movement in saying no to any new coal-fired power stations.”
In a statement to newsrooms, Kabeberi said over the years Greenpeace has clearly documented the vastly negative impacts of coal-fired power stations on people’s health, and the air and water quality of the surrounding areas in South Africa.
“With the abundance of renewable energy potential, it is clear that Kenya should focus more on sustainable energy alternatives and stay away from polluting and carbon-intense coal-fired power stations,” added Kabeberi.
“In light of the fact that Kenya has signed the Paris Agreement, which commits to keep global temperatures to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, it is essential that the government continues to take crucial steps forward such as the decision to revoke the licence for the Lamu coal-fired power station,” she said.
She commended the government for showing leadership in the clean energy sector.
“In this case, the Kenyan government is showing the kind of leadership needed on the African continent and other African leaders should learn from this example, but it is critical that Lamu does not make a reappearance, and we call for Lamu’s cancellation to remain final,” concluded Kabeberi.