The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is poised to begin inspecting energy-producing facilities in the country after being granted authority by the International Tracking Standard Foundation (I-TRACK).
EPRA stated on Monday, December 16, 2024, that the I-TRACK Foundation had appointed the authority as the official local issuer of International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC(E).
This move effectively provides EPRA the authority to examine energy generation facilities across Kenya to ensure that the electricity generated is from renewable sources.
According to EPRA Director-General Daniel Kiptoo, the authority’s new position was a significant milestone because it aligned with EPRA’s objective to achieve the full realisation of renewable and sustainable energy in 2030.
“Kenya is on the cusp of achieving 100% renewable energy electricity generation which currently stands at 80.04% contribution to the energy mix,” he noted.
“We have remained steadfast in harnessing energy from renewable energy sources. Geothermal energy stands at 26.37%, interconnected solar PV systems (12.38%) and wind energy contributed 12.19%.
“The trajectory towards renewable energy is expected to persist as more power projects are completed and connected to the grid from geothermal sources.”
Notably, a company having an I-REC(E) certificate will have an advantage because its operations are considered environmentally benign in accordance with ESG.
The decision to give EPRA a new mission came after the I-REC team conducted a thorough assessment of the authority’s expert capabilities.
EPRA now serves as Kenya’s official inspector of energy-generation facilities, thereby replacing the Green Certificate Company (GCC).
EPRA has recently established itself as a reliable authority in the promotion of green energy.
Earlier in November, the energy regulator revealed steps to reduce energy waste by revisiting two important regulations.
This came after it was noted that numerous fields of production in the economic sector were still suffering with energy efficiency, owing mostly to the country’s unrealized energy efficiency prospects.
According to EPRA’s report, the authority intends to review the Energy (Energy Management) Regulations, 2012, which require facilities that consume more than 180,000 kWh of energy to conduct energy audits at least once every three years and implement identified energy-saving measures, among other obligations.
The Energy (Appliances’ Energy Performance and Labelling) Regulations 2016, which allowed EPRA to set minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for appliances, will also be examined.
Meanwhile, top management at EPRA is also due for a shake-up as a proposal submitted by Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri proposed an amendment to the Energy Act, 2019.
