Environmental research

In Kenya less than 4 % of the rural population have access to grid connected electricity and modern power. The lack of access to electricity for household, commercial, health and educational purposes impedes most forms of economic and social development at the rural level. Rural Kenyans have access to many natural resources such as the wind, water and sun, all of which have the potential to create substantial amounts of electrical power. One key resource that is not being utilized throughout Kenya is the wind. Only 0.71Gwh of electricity is wind-generated a mere fraction of the estimated 500 MW that could potentially be produced and utilized at both rural and urban levels. The goal of this project is to improve the quality of and access to modern energy services for rural and peri-urban households, private business, and public sector institutions within Lamu district. The primary objective of the proposed project is to set up and franchise a pilot wind-powered energy kiosk within Lamu district. The proposed kiosk will become an energy centre for lead acid battery charging, supply of power to small businesses and will provide, in the future, an entry point for the introduction and promotion of ICT services. The Kiosk will engage in the following activities: - Battery sales and charging, sales, installation and maintenance of 12VDC systems including appliances and other accessories - Supply of energy to businesses proximate to the kiosk, mobile phone charging and other value added services using the site generated power - Provision of information about the benefits of renewable energy technologies to the general public.

Kenya