Biomass Energy

Biomass accounts for 68% of Kenya’s primary energy consumption. This mainly comes from wood fuel and charcoal. It is important to note that use of biomass is predominant in rural areas i.e. about 90% of the total biomass for energy purposes is consumed in rural areas. Reliance of wood fuel and charcoal coupled with unsustainable management of the forests cover has led to continued reduction of forest cover hence resulting to negative environmental effects e.g. unreliable rainfall and drying of some rivers and streams. Biomass resources are derived from forests, agricultural/industrial residues, animal waste and municipal waste.
Recent studies indicate there is a potential of about 200-300MW from cogeneration using baggase in sugar industries and biogas. The sugar industry has a potential of 192MW but only 86MW has been exploited. On the other hand, the biogas potential can range from 29-131MW. Data on estimates for installed power from biogas is currently not available, however, a number of biogas plants exists in households across the country. The tables below provide the analysis of the potentials of energy from co generation and biogas respectively.
 

Sugar factory
Potential (MW)
Current generation (MW)
Internal use (MW)
Export to national grid (MW)
Chemelil
29
10
10
-
Muhoroni
19.8
10
10
-
Mumias
47
32
6
26
Nzoia
40
14
14
-
Sony
37
15
15
-
West Kenya
20
5
5
-
Total
193
86
60
26

 Power potential from cogeneration using baggase from sugar industries – Source: Least Cost Power Development Plan, March 2010, Energy Regulatory Commission (Kenya)


Source
Maximum Potential (MW)
Maximum Potential (MW)
Municipal solid waste
11
64
Sisal production
9
31
Coffee production
2
18
Others (animal waste e.t.c)
7
18
Total
29
131
  Power potential from biogas – Source: GTZ, 2010, Agro-Industrial Biogas in Kenya




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