From Data to Action: Mombasa's Urban Smart Energy Journey
Published: 26 Jul 2024
Access to Energy
Adaptation
Access to clean and affordable energy is a top priority for Mombasa County in Kenya. To advance towards this goal, the County has been working with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa's co-implementing partner, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in implementing the Urban Smart Energy (USE) product since 2022. Following an evidence-based approach, the USE focuses on developing decentralised energy systems and energy efficiency measures on county-owned sites. The recent USE Results Workshop reviewed the feasibility of solar PV systems and energy efficiency improvements in Mombasa, recommending solar rooftops for six locations, LED retrofits for three, and AC replacements for one.
Since joining CoM SSA in 2022, Mombasa has launched the Urban Smart Energy (USE), a standardised process to accompany the County in developing decentralised energy systems and energy efficiency measures on county-owned sites. From its inception, Mombasa County, supported by CoM SSA, has analysed 28 county-owned facilities, selected 9 key sites, and installed smart energy meters to collect detailed real-time data on electricity usage patterns. Within this framework, the USE Results Workshop was organised to present the results of feasible energy projects with the County technical team and decision-makers.
The workshop's main goal was to discuss the baseline assessment results for the solar PV (Renewable Energy) systems and energy efficiency measures for county-owned facilities, including hospitals, markets, education centres, and administrative buildings. The workshop commenced with a presentation of the methodology of assessing the feasibility of solar PV and energy efficiency improvements in the county facilities, such as light retrofitting and AC replacement. The evaluation revealed:
- a promising potential for solar rooftops in most sites, especially the Coast Provincial Referral Hospital, due to its high electricity consumption.
- Additionally, LED retrofits were recommended for three sites and
- AC replacements for one, promising significant energy savings, cost reductions, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions.
- Based on these findings, it was proposed that solar rooftops be implemented in at least six locations, with specific sites also suggested for LED retrofits and AC replacements.
Mombasa County
Additionally, the USE process has made way for Mombasa to build new partnerships towards implementing clean energy and energy efficiency measures. The Green Cooling Initiative, a project implemented by GIZ, is now partnering with the County to provide energy-efficient and cleaner air conditioning units in one hospital, building on the assessments carried out through CoM SSA.
The Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) also joined the workshop to build upon the work done by the County through CoM SSA. This non-profit organisation collaborates with the public and private sectors to advocate for energy, waste, and material-efficient buildings and communities. During their presentation, KGBS highlighted its commitment to Mombasa County, aiming to unlock opportunities for the city by certifying the USE facilities as green buildings - a first-of-a-kind portfolio certification approach in the region.
Resilience and Natural Resources of Mombasa County
and Nasra Nanda, CEO of KGBS signing an MoU
KGBS and Mombasa County also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on building capacity among county staff, advocating for green policies and legislation, and certifying key public buildings in Mombasa as green buildings – including the first government hospital in East Africa.
The Results Workshop represented a critical step towards USE's subsequent phases by informing the County technical team about the technically feasible and economically viable solar energy installations and energy efficiency measures in their facilities. The enthusiastic support from County leadership and active engagement from organisations like KGBS exemplifies a collective commitment to sustainable development, inspiring confidence in the shared vision for Mombasa's future in renewable energy.
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