The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has commissioned its first ever pilot project of 60 kw hybrid-mini solar power station that is located in Biyamadhow area.
The project has been publicized to set the stage for the mega roll out of another 25 similar projects in all the North Eastern counties.
Speaking the press after launching the solar project, REA Chief Executive Officer Ng’ang’a Munyu disclosed that the success of the pilot project to light up households lying off-the national grid rural setups widely help in spurring development in the marginalized counties.
The Sh70 million shillings project was started in April this year.
Munyu, who was flanked by several senior officials from REA further added that the project was also meant to promote the use of renewable energy sources in the shift from diesel generators which are expensive to establish and maintain.
“Previously, we have been supplying electricity to off-grid towns through the expensive diesel generators. It has proved to be very expensive in terms of capital and also operational maintenance costs. We are now focusing away from diesel generators to the renewable energy,” he said.
The REA boss further revealed that the agency had already tendered for the 25 similar stations to be established in Garissa, Mandera and Wajir counties, adding that site evaluation was ongoing.