Swissport’s project commenced last week in partnership with Mettle Solar Ofgen and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit. It is the region’s first solar-powered cargo facility at the Nairobi airport and the second in the continent, with the first being South Africa’s George airport.
The 104kWp project is a lease partnership deal that will see its developer, Ofgen, own and maintain the solar panels. With these, Swissport hopes to meet a third of the facility’s energy requirements, cutting down power bills by 30%, and enhance the use of renewable energy in the country.
Commenting at the launch, Swissport Kenya COO, Rachael Ndegwa, said that the solar panels will power cold rooms at the cargo facility. “Swissport Kenya is committed to supporting development in Africa with new innovations and solutions. The solar power plant will contribute to a healthier environment and clients will enjoy cheaper solar electricity without substantial upfront capital investment,” Ndegwa concluded.
Kenya Airports Authority has also announced similar plans to incorporate solar power at terminals A, B, C and D, which are currently undergoing redesign works.
KAA Managing Director Johnny Andersen said the move observes a recent directive issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission, which warns owners of large residential and commercial buildings that are yet to install solar water heaters, that it would begin enforcing compliance of Energy Regulations 2012 this month. Those in noncompliance risk a jail term and Sh1m fine when the grace period ends.
