Opinion: Does Kenya truly need a coal power plant at this point in time?

Coal power plant photo:courtesy

We need coal energy as soon as yesterday. Looking at the current power generation in the country that stands at about 2000Mw, the power demand still supersedes the supply.

And as a country which is eying industrialization, power is a major factor in having the country achieve this status, and coal has proven to be more reliable compared to other sources which we have relied.

It is fortunate that we have coal within our country. Several Blocks (A, B, C and D) in Kitui County have not been explored. Block C alone has a potential of over 400MT of coal.
In terms of power plant construction, it is easier to have one power plant producing 1000MW thus you can have a few power plants producing so much.

Other developed countries such as Japan, Germany are currently decommissioning their nuclear plants. In fact Germany is decommissioning a plant that never even generated power. Probably they realised that advanced technology makes it easier and efficient to run on coal with minimum negative impact on the environment than nuclear energy.

Other greener sources of energy like wind and water are localised. They are just applicable in certain areas, and are also seasonal considering the climatic changes.

It is therefore important for the government to put down all the necessary environmental measures which have created fears among environmentalists for discussion and possible consensus and Kenyans will not regret having coal energy.