Kenya Cement Plant Adds 10MW Solar

Key Figures & Findings: Equator Energy has commissioned a 10 MW captive solar plant at Mombasa Cement’s Vipingo facility in Kilifi County, one of East Africa’s largest privately developed industrial solar projects. The system will reduce grid dependence, cut daytime emissions, and generate major cost savings for the cement producer. Construction created around 100 temporary jobs and established 15 permanent roles to support operations.

Statistics & Insights: The project increases Equator Energy’s operational capacity to 53 MW across East and Southern Africa. By directly supplying industrial demand, the installation highlights the shift toward self-generation in Kenya’s energy-intensive sectors.

Future Implications: If replicated across Kenya’s industrial sector, the Vipingo solar plant could set a model for manufacturers to reduce costs, stabilise energy supply, and ease strain on the national grid. The project may also encourage further private-sector adoption of renewable energy in East Africa’s heavy industries.

Source: Solar Finance Africa

Quick Take: Kenya’s Mombasa Cement turns to solar, commissioning a 10 MW plant that slashes costs and emissions while setting a model for East Africa’s industries.