The International Tracking Standard Foundation has named the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) as the local issuer of the International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC(E).
The move is poised to make the country’s renewable energy sector positioned for international recognition and better investments.
Participation in the I-REC system is key to attracting environmentally conscious investors looking to support sustainable energy initiatives in the country, thereby stimulating job creation and driving economic development in the sustainable energy sector.
Epra’s Director General (DG) Daniel Kiptoo welcomed the development saying it is in tandem with EPRA’s mandate of promoting the adoption of renewable and sustainable energy to enhance its contribution to Kenya’s energy mix.
Local application of I-RECs, he said, will help Kenya to meet international commitments and agreements related to the adoption of clean energy.
“Kenya is on the cusp of achieving 100 per cent renewable energy electricity generation which currently stands at 84.65 per cent contribution to the energy mix. We have remained steadfast in harnessing energy from renewable energy sources,” said Kiptoo.
“Say, geothermal energy production surged by 21.84 per cent, and interconnected solar PV systems saw a substantial 41.84 per cent increase while wind energy contributed 7.28 per cent. The trajectory towards renewable energy is expected to persist as more power flows into the grid from geothermal sources,” he added.
EPRA will be tasked with inspecting energy generation facilities across Kenya to verify that the generation of electricity is from renewable sources.
Until the process is completed and EPRA is conferred as an issuer, the Green Certificate Company (GCC) is filling in the role, to allow for roles’ transfer to the EPRA when ready.