Huawei Eastern Africa recently hosted a high-level roundtable in Kenya under the theme Utility PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems: Energy Storage Integration for Kenya’s Grid Resilience & Energy Transition. The event convened senior representatives from Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), and Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN). Discussions centered on integrating solar energy and advanced storage technologies to accelerate Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy future. The country is striving for 100% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, with solar, wind, and geothermal energy forming the backbone of its energy mix.
A key focus of the roundtable was the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to stabilize the increasingly renewable-powered grid. BESS enables excess solar energy to be stored and used during peak demand or low production periods, mitigating the intermittency of renewable sources. Grid-forming technology, another innovation discussed, helps stabilize voltage and frequency in networks traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, ensuring reliability and preventing blackouts. The event also highlighted the importance of mini-grids and off-grid solar systems to expand rural energy access, addressing energy inequality and supporting Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
Participants emphasized the need for skills development and policy coherence to sustain Kenya’s green energy transition. Training more solar technicians, engineers, and energy professionals is crucial to maintaining and optimizing renewable infrastructure. Policy incentives, such as VAT reductions on solar products and support for energy storage investments, were identified as key enablers for sector growth. Huawei reaffirmed its commitment by providing advanced BESS, smart grid solutions, and AI-powered energy management systems, which will enhance grid resilience, efficiency, and inclusivity. The roundtable underscored Kenya’s progress and potential as a regional leader in clean energy adoption, demonstrating how technology, policy, and capacity-building can drive a sustainable, resilient, and equitable energy future.