Description

ENERGY SECTOR:

Energy is one of the infrastrucural enablers of the three pillars of Vision 2030 in Kenya and the level of intesity of commercial energy use is a key indicator of the degree of economic growth and development. The mail source of energy in the county is fuel wood which consists of 9% of the energy needs of the county population. Petroleum energy is another source accounting for 5% energy needs. Despite the presence of the Turkwel Dam which generates electricity , connection is still low with only 2 % of the population accessing electricity and only 10 trading centres connected with power. Parafin, which is another spource of energy is used by 8 % of the population.

Other sources of energy include charcoal and solar which remains untapped . The demand will require corresponding increases in capital outlay to provide the needed incremental generation capacity and associated suppply and distribution infrastructire . It is envisages that the private sector will play a key role in providing the required capital either on its own or through Public Privagte Partnerships. The projected growth in electricity demand , therefore presents a golden opportunity to invest in the energy sector. Highlighted below are some of the prioroty projects that present immediate opportunities for private sector investments. WIND

POWER GENERATION:

The county government is undertaking wind data logging in high potential areas of the county. However , detailed feasibility studies would be carried out to determine the viability of specific sites identified in the wind map. The County government would therefore like to invite the private sector to invest in wind power electricity generation. There's high wind speeds in various parts of the count's airlands. Specific areas that have been identified for wind power generation are areas along the Turkwel belt and Lelan Highland. These areas have potential to generate power for the national grid.

BIO-FUEL PRODUCTION:

Bio-energy is the energy derived from various sources of solids, liquids and gaseous biogas, including fuel wood, charcoal , ethanol, bio diesel and biogas. Bio-energy is currently the focus of attention due to dwindling global resources of fossil fuels and rising prices. Jetropha and Sweet sorghum are plants grown in arid and semi arid lands and seen as the best source of bio fuel across the county. Their potential to mitigate climate change add their attractivemness to the county. Opportunities in the production and processing of Jetropha and Sweet Sorghum into bio fuel exist in the north and other areas of the county. In addition to consultancy, opportunities exist in research workk and capacity building in bio-technology. The county has prospect of oil and reserve in parts of Pokot North and Central Pokot since it borders Ngamia in Trukana County where oil is currently beign drilled.