Swiss firm to invest Sh15b in low cost energy

Switzerland based Energy Company, HESA Hydroelectric is seeking to invest Sh15 billion in a new electricity production technology known as mobile power box system, targeting rural areas.

The alternative technology is expected to help reduce the cost of power and spur development. Addressing journalists in Kitengela recently, the company’s President Adrian Zwahlen said they are already in talks with some county governments including Machakos, Uasin Gishu and Kajiado to take advantage of the new technology.

“We are determined to ensure investors and rural populations enjoy low cost energy that has benefited many parts of developed countries,” said Zwahlen. The technology uses little amount of moving stream water to generate electricity.

The firm says the technology has been widely used in Germany, France, Australia and Switzerland.

In Africa, the technology has been deployed in Madagascar. The new cheap technology involves installation of a machine in a flowing river with as little volume of two cubic metres per second of water and as low as 1.5 to 5 metres deep.

Sylvester Kaboi, a climate change specialist and the company’s director in Kenya said they have visited Machakos while Kajiado and Uasin Gishu are next, as the firm moves to tap into counties.

“It is our hope that by working with county governments as our entry strategy, we will be able to be part of the investors who will contribute to affordable energy in Kenya,” said Kaboi.

The firm is also seeking to build a technical mobile power box centre in Machakos.