In its relentless pursuit of a 100% renewable energy grid, Kenya is now turning to the power of the ocean, launching a pioneering feasibility study to assess the potential of tidal energy along its Indian Ocean coastline. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with international marine engineering firms, marks Kenya’s first formal foray into marine energy and represents a strategic diversification beyond its established successes in geothermal, wind, and solar power. The study will focus on identifying specific sites with strong, predictable tidal currents, particularly in channels around the Lamu Archipelago and parts of the Mombasa coastline, where the daily ebb and flow of the ocean could be harnessed to generate a consistent and reliable source of clean electricity.
The exploration of tidal power presents a unique set of advantages and challenges for the East African nation. Unlike the intermittent nature of solar and wind power, tidal cycles are perfectly predictable for decades in advance, offering the potential for a stable, baseload form of renewable energy that could complement Kenya’s existing grid. The proposed technology would likely involve submerged tidal turbines—essentially underwater windmills—placed on the seabed to capture the kinetic energy of moving water. However, the significant hurdles include the high initial capital investment, the need for robust technology that can withstand corrosive saltwater and marine biofouling, and a thorough assessment of the potential environmental impact on marine ecosystems and local fishing grounds.
The long-term implications of successfully tapping into tidal power would be transformative, solidifying Kenya’s status as a global green energy leader. If the feasibility study yields positive results, a pilot project could pave the way for a new, domestic energy industry, creating specialized jobs in marine engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance. Success would also provide a replicable model for other coastal African nations with similar tidal resources. While tidal power is not expected to rival the scale of Kenya’s geothermal capacity in the near future, its development represents a crucial step in the nation’s comprehensive strategy to leave no renewable energy source untapped, ensuring a diverse, resilient, and fully decarbonized power supply for future economic growth.