Kenya has signed a deal that will see it develop green energy and fertilizer factory in a move aimed at reinforcing its position as a global leader in renewable energy.
President William Ruto said the partnership with Fortescue Future Industries, a global green energy firm, will catalyse progress towards low carbon energy self-sufficiency.
It will involve the development a 300MW capacity green ammonia and fertiliser facility using the Olkaria Geothermal resources in Naivasha.
“This is a bold statement that Kenya is on an ambitious green growth agenda,”said President Ruto.
The investment support and implementation agreement was signed between the government and Fortescue Future Industries(FFI) at State House by Energy, and National Treasury Cabinet Secretaries Davis Chirchir and Njuguna Ndung’u, and FFI Executive Chairman Andrew Forrest.
Dr Ruto explained that Kenya is “walking the talk by taking steps that proactively exploit the opportunity to provide solutions to the global climate crisis”.
He noted that the initiative will provide affordable fertilizer to the market, enabling farmers to produce and earn more.
The project will also supply electricity to Kenya’s grid,accelerating the phasing out of fossil fuels.Fossil fuel-dependent fertilizer production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Apart from contributing to the country’s economy and food security,this project and subsequent developments will contribute to greening agriculture and powering Kenya’s greenhouse gas reduction commmitments.
Dr Forrest said the partnership sets Kenya on a path to industrial decarbonisation.
“We are determined to be with the people of Kenya on that journey, every step of the way.”said Dr Forrest.
He said momentum is accelerating Kenya’s vision to establish itself as a world leader in the production of fertiliser made using green ammonia.
“In doing so, its leadership is providing Kenya additional energy security that steps beyond the use of fossil fuels.”added Dr Forrest.
This is the first of three projects that will see Australia’s FFI invest in green energy and manufacturing in Kenya.
