Kenya Steel Plant Expands Solar Capacity

Key Figures & Findings: Empower New Energy has signed a $2.5 million deal with Abyssinia Group of Industries to install an additional 4 MWp of solar capacity at its steel plant in Awasi, western Kenya. This expansion will raise Abyssinia’s total on-site solar portfolio to 9 MWp, expected to generate 14 GWh of electricity annually. The facilities will displace fossil fuel consumption, cut over 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, and improve reliability for one of Kenya’s largest industrial producers.

Statistics & Insights: The added 4 MWp will boost Abyssinia’s solar share by 80%, bringing the site’s portfolio to 9 MWp. The annual generation of 14 GWh equals the yearly consumption of approximately 9,000 Kenyan households. The emissions reduction of 7,000 tonnes compares to removing roughly 1,500 passenger cars from the road each year.

Future Implications: If sustained, this partnership could encourage the wider adoption of industrial-scale renewables in Kenya, thereby lowering operating costs and reinforcing competitiveness in the heavy industry sector. By 2030, industrial renewable deployment may play a key role in reducing Kenya’s reliance on expensive fossil fuels and stabilizing supply chains.

Source: LinkedIn

Quick Take: Empower New Energy backs Abyssinia with $2.5m solar expansion, raising capacity to 9 MWp and driving industrial decarbonisation in Kenya.