Kenya Power and Lighting Company has invited expression of interest from companies to finance, develop and operate captive solar projects of capacities ranging between 500 kW and 10 MW on a lease basis for its commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers.

The last date for submission of bids is February 10, 2021.

The scope of work includes solar energy resource assessment, studies and design of grid interconnection, supply, installation, financing, testing, and commissioning of solar projects. Selected bidders also have to operate the project for 20 years.

Kenya Power will issue a detailed Request of Proposal document to shortlisted bidders upon evaluation of bids. Bidders will be selected for the project based on their technical and financial capabilities.

To be eligible to participate in the competitive bidding process, applicants must have previously completed at least three solar power projects with an installed capacity between 500 kW and 10 MW. Applicants must have experience in operation and maintenance of a solar project with a capacity between 500 kW and 10 MW for a minimum of two years.

Applicants also have to provide their audited financial accounts for the last 18 months, including details about the company’s capital, turnover, and profit.

Last year, The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC had issued a tender for the design, supply, installation, training, and commissioning of a solar module manufacturing unit with an expected yearly production capacity between 5 MW and 10 MW in February 2020.

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, managed by the African Development Bank, had approved a grant of $760,000 to Empower New Energy in April 2020. This grant was intended to help develop at least eight small renewable energy projects in Africa. The projects will have a capacity ranging between 1-10 MW.