The successful completion of the Lamu plant would supply a third of the projected energy demand. However, a NationNewsplex cost-benefit analysis suggests that meeting the future demand through coal power may not be a smart idea due to economic and environmental reasons as well as the nation’s vast green energy potential. Despite being the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, China’s coal share in the country’s energy mix has shrunk since 2014. The solar power potential is limitless given that the sun shines in Kenya all year long. Data from the International Energy Agency shows that the coal power plant capacity factor is at 60-65 per cent in the US, 55-60 per cent in the UK and 46 per cent in China.

Source: Daily Nation April 14, 2018 18:18 UTC