Tatu City installs first solar power plant

Tatu City. [Photo: Courtesy]

Tatu City has installed its first solar power plant, in partnership with Equator Energy, to generate renewable energy for the city.

The installation comprises of 2,880 solar modules that have been mounted on 5,700 square meters of roof space at Dormans Coffee’s global headquarters at Tatu Industrial Park. The plant is expected to produce 1.4 million kilowatt-hours per year, the same amount of energy consumed by 8,500 people.

The installation is in line with Tatu City’s long-term commitment to environmental conservation through harnessing renewable energy sources. 

The solar power plant will reduce carbon dioxide emission by at least 1 million kilograms per year while providing 1 MW of electricity. Installation of the entire plant, including 15 kilometers of cables, took only six days. 

Nick Langford, Head of Utilities for Rendeavour, Tatu City’s owner and developer said they plan to install solar panels on all rooftops at the industrial park, producing up to 30 MW.

“Solar power allows us to contribute to clean energy, which is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” Langford said. “The power produced from the solar panels will be distributed for use by homes and businesses within the city. We are proud of this milestone and pleased to know that residents will enjoy sustained power supply at very minimal costs.”

Equator Energy CEO Sebastian Noethlichs said of the installation is one of Kenya’s largest solar power plants.

“We are excited to see it in operation and delivering cheaper and cleaner power to an entire city. We look forward to rolling out more solar power as Tatu City grows,” he added.

Leading international, regional and local companies are positioning their business at Tatu City for growth in East Africa and beyond. Some of them include Dormans Coffee, Kim-Fay, Unilever, Chandaria Industries, Africa Logistics Properties, Freight Forwarder Kenya, Stecol, and Tianlong. 

Other developments at Tatu City, a 5,000-acre new city, include schools by Nova Pioneer and Crawford International, as well as more than 5,000 homes under construction and development.