Kenya Getting One of Largest Grid-Connected Solar Power Plants in Africa

The government of Kenya has selected two China-based companies to build one of the largest grid-connected solar power plants in Africa in Kenya's northwest city of Garissa. The announcement didn't disclose the estimated cost of the project but analysts familiar with similar undertakings speculate it will be a multi-billion-dollar endeavor.

In a news release, JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE: JKS), a leading global solar power product manufacturer, announced it has signed a cooperative agreement with China Jiangxi Corp. for International Economic & Technical Co, Ltd. ("CJIC") to provide technical support for CJIC's 50MW solar power project development in Kenya.

Under the agreement, JinkoSolar is also appointed by CJIC as the preferred module supplier for this project.

The statement said the 200-acre (81 hecares)  plant is expected to produce about 76,473 megawatts hours per year, reducing yearly carbon missions by 64,190 tons and saving coal consumption by 24,470 tons annually.

With an arid climate and a vast desert land mass, Garissa is geographically optimal for harnessing solar power, according to JinkoSolar.

The pre-assembled modular approach  planned by JinkoSolar is expected to speed up installation and future operation and maintenance. Additionally, pouring pile and spiral pile design will be utilized to protect local vegetation.

"The introduction of solar energy is expected to generate significant value for Kenya's energy landscape, by ensuring sustainable opportunities for diversified economic growth," according to the statement.


"We are extremely impressed with the quality of JinkoSolar's products and expertise in design and engineering." said Guojian Xu, General Manager of CJIC. "Through cooperation, we hope to build a long-term relationship to harness both our unique advantages and open a new chapter for the construction of PV power plants in Africa."

Kangping Chen, Chief Executive Officer of JinkoSolar, added,  "We are pleased to be a part of Kenya's push towards clean-tech development and commitment to renewable energy.

"As a market leader in the solar energy business, JinkoSolar will play a key role in supply Kenya's growing demand for solar energy. By cooperating with CJIC, we expect this project will provide JinkoSolar with future opportunities in Kenya's solar power plant industry."

China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Cooperation(CJIC) says it was approved by the State Council of the People's Republic of China and registered in 1983. The company  focuses on domestic real estate development, architectural design and overseas investment and trading.

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: JKS) is a leading solar power product manufacturer with production operations in Jiangxi and Zhejiang Provinces in China and sales and marketing offices in Shanghai, China; Munich, Germany; Bologna, Italy; Montpellier, France; Zug, Switzerland; San Francisco, U.S.; Queensland, Australia; Ontario, Canada and Singapore.  - See more at: 
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