German experts train Kenyan companies on renewable energy at 4 day conference

In a bid to reduce energy costs and access affordable power

GIZ Programme Manager Renewable Energy Project Development Programme, 
 Jasmin Fraatz and Dr. Roman Brinzanik, Head of New Markets, Kraftwerk Renewable
 Power Solutions GmbH exchange notes with County Executive Committee 
Member for Trade, Industrialization, Cooperative Development and Tourism
 Anna Othoro at a press briefing held for the opening of the Renewable Energy 
conference and German Solar Training Week at Southern Sun Mayfair Hotel, Nairobi.  

Commercial and industrial enterprises in Kenya are investing more in reliable, affordable and environmentally friendly energy to cover their demand for electricity. In order to equip Kenyan renewable energy technicians, financing institutions and the public sector with in-depth knowledge to efficiently respond to this rising demand, the GIZ Renewable Energy Project Development Programme (PDP) holds four day training. The 2^nd German Solar Training Week will be held in close cooperation with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Kenya (AHK) in Nairobi from 23^rd and 26^th November. It will cover technical and economic aspects of grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems, professional PV off-grid systems and PV-diesel hybrid systems.

“The 2^nd German Solar Training Week will bring together German companies with the Kenyan private sector, government officials and academia”, explains Jasmin Fraatz, Programme Manager for the GIZ Project Development Programme. The companies Autarsys GmbH, HOPPECKE Batterien GmbH & Co. KG, SMA Solar Technology AG and SUNSET Energietechnik GmbH that hold the training sessions are internationally known for their expertise and sophisticated products.

The increased uptake of solar technology in Kenya has led to high demand for skilled financial and project planners, as well as engineers and technicians who can sustainably design, install and operate solar PV systems. Compared to 2012 where the country only had 800–1000 solar PV technicians working in the market, the number has substantially increased by demand and through the introduction of regulations for trained technicians.

However, the training gap especially on larger solar systems for mini-grids, industrial and commercial applications still remains high. Therefore, the Renewable Energy Project Development Programme, implemented by GIZ under the “renewables – Made in Germany” initiative, brings together experts from leading German technology companies who will spearhead this comprehensive training.

Jasmin Fraatz adds that GIZ continues to foster a well-established relation between Kenya and Germany in enhancing expertise in the field of clean energy through impactful considerable know-how on solar energy, bioenergy and system integration. Access to solar-powered lighting, heating and cooling clean energy is crucial to cost reduction for Kenyan industrial and agricultural stakeholders.

GIZ Programme Manager Renewable Energy Project Development Programme, Jasmin Fraatz giving remarks on the contribution made towards equipping Kenyan technicians, financing institutions and the public sector with in-depth knowledge to efficiently respond to this rising demand of renewable energy at a press briefing held for the opening of the Renewable Energy conference and German Solar Training Week at Southern Sun Mayfair Hotel, Nairobi.

County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Industrialization, Cooperative Development and Tourism Anna Othoro giving remarks on the state of renewable energy projects in the County at a press briefing held for the opening of the Renewable Energy conference and German Solar Training Week at Southern Sun Mayfair Hotel, Nairobi.