Kenyan President William Ruto Attends Launch Ceremony of Tianqi Hongyuan's Kenya Microgrid Project!
Kenyan President Poses for Group Photo with Tianqi Hongyuan
On November 2, 2023, Kenyan President William Ruto toured the Tianqi Hongyuan Kenya Microgrid Project site and attended the project launch ceremony. Yang Jiqiang, Deputy General Manager of the Energy Storage Division, warmly received and accompanied the President during the tour.
Tianqi Hongyuan presents product overview to Kenyan government officials
The Kenya Microgrid Project in Africa marks Tianqi Hongyuan's inaugural overseas initiative. As part of the World Bank's “Light Up Africa” program, the project carries a total investment of $12.6 million, fully funded by the World Bank. The project aims to provide universal access to electricity for households in off-grid areas of Kenya, marking the first step toward modernization.
During the launch ceremony, witnessed by Kenyan media and the Tianqi Hongyuan project team, the President personally pressed the high-voltage switch-on button. This powerful electricity instantly illuminated previously powerless regions of Kenya.
Kenyan President Presses High-Voltage Switch
President Ruto's visit to the Tianqi Hongyuan microgrid project site and participation in the launch ceremony demonstrate deepened bilateral cooperation in technology and energy. This initiative will advance grid development across Kenya and Africa, expand Tianqi Hongyuan's international market presence, and further strengthen the enduring friendship between China and Kenya.
Kenya's Urgent Grid Development Needs
Despite abundant energy resources, Kenya's long-term lack of planning and regulation has resulted in severe financing challenges for power projects and a sparse grid infrastructure. As of 2023, Kenya's total installed power capacity stands at approximately 2,990 megawatts, estimated to be only 2% of its potential. Geothermal power accounts for 29%, hydropower 28%, wind power 14%, and solar power 5%, indicating extremely low development and utilization of clean energy.
UN data reveals that over 50% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa remains without electricity access, with more than 80% of this unelectrified population residing in rural areas. Tianqi Hongyuan implements the “China-Africa Energy Cooperation Plan” and the World Bank's “Lighting Africa” initiative, jointly advancing the Belt and Road projects and executing a high-quality “going global” strategy.
Kenya Project Successfully Commissioned
As early as 2022, Tianqi Hongyuan successfully commissioned four island microgrid projects in Kenya. The successful commissioning of these microgrid projects in Kenya validates the feasibility, safety, and stability of Tianqi's independently developed technologies. Each project employs a modular design to accommodate the continuously growing electricity demand. The proprietary EMS control system and battery BMS management system ensure seamless switching between grid-connected and off-grid operation.
The EMS system incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that autonomously optimize the operation mode of the photovoltaic-storage-diesel microgrid, ensuring safe, stable, and economical operation. Additionally, Tianqi Hongyuan guarantees 15 years of operation and maintenance (O&M). Its self-developed BMS system significantly extends the battery system's lifespan, reducing long-term O&M costs for the microgrid.
Upon full completion, the Kenya project is projected to deliver over 3.6 million kWh of stable, clean electricity annually, providing power solutions for over 4,000 households in previously unelectrified areas. The Tianqi Hongyuan team remains united in its commitment to advancing the project, striving to bring reliable power supply to local communities across Africa as soon as possible. This initiative aims to enable local residents to enjoy a more comfortable and convenient modern lifestyle.
