RES4Africa Foundation And EIB Conduct Energy Training in Kenya
RES4Africa Foundation, in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), recently concluded a three-day technical training in Nairobi, focusing on critical energy sectors including grid integration of renewables, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and green hydrogen.
The training aimed to address the growing need for knowledge and expertise in these areas, particularly as Africa faces increasing demand for sustainable energy infrastructure and solutions.
Participants in the workshop
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from Kenya’s energy sector, including representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum (MoEP), the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), national utilities KenGen and KETRACO, as well as representatives active in the green hydrogen sector, such as the Kenya Green Hydrogen Association, GIZ Kenya and the EU Delegation to Kenya.
The participants engaged in in-depth discussions on a range of topics designed to enhance their capacity to manage and integrate renewable energy technologies into the country’s power system.
The first day of the training focused on the challenges posed by large-scale renewable energy integration into the electric grid.
Amro Hassan from CESI led sessions on the impacts of variable renewable energy sources (VRES) on grid stability and compliance with grid code requirements.
Case studies from South Africa, Ethiopia, and Zambia offered real-world insights into the successful integration of VRES into national grids.
On the second day, the spotlight shifted to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with Fabrizio Bonemazzi from RES4Africa leading discussions on available technologies, market trends, and typical business models.
Attendees explored the lifecycle of BESS projects, from development to recycling, and examined the role of these systems in supporting grid reliability and flexibility.
Case studies highlighted BESS applications in South Africa and other benchmark countries, showcasing their potential to transform energy storage in Africa.
Kenya’s burgeoning green hydrogen sector
The final day centred on Green Hydrogen, a burgeoning area of interest for Kenya’s energy future. Trainers Francisco Baqueriza and Erick Amkoa from Grupo Mercados Energéticos Consultores (GME) alongside Catherine Irura from the Kenya Green Hydrogen Association, provided a comprehensive overview of hydrogen’s global context, ongoing projects in Kenya and the policy frameworks needed to support its further development in the country.
The day concluded with discussions on market conditions and a roadmap for advancing Kenya’s green hydrogen industry.
With Africa experiencing rapid urbanisation and increasing energy demands, the training underscored the importance of enhancing capacity in emerging energy technologies.
As the continent continues to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems, events like this contribute significantly to building the expertise and regulatory frameworks necessary for long-term success.
RES4Africa has since extended its thanks to the European Investment Bank, the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority of Kenya, and the expert trainers from CESI and GME for making this training possible.
