Open letter to the president: Please stop the coal plant

Mr. Speaker,

I am writing as a proud Kenyan, but very concerned for our future. In particular, I write to ask you why you authorize Amu power to build a coal power plant in Lamu?

Kenya Vision 2030 clearly states its goal is to help turn the country into a "newly industrialized and middle-income country providing a high"

In 2008, at the launch of Kenya Vision 2013, coal seemed to be a source of cheap energy. Advances in renewable energy technologies have made them cheaper today. Kenya should evolve over time and employ energy sources that are not only economically viable, but also environmentally responsible.

A coal-fired power plant in a coal-free region is not viable The import of coal from South Africa does not make sense: for starters, we do not have to do anything. will have no price guarantee and will place our energy dependence on a foreign country.

Mr. Speaker, Kenya has energy options. The cost of renewable energy is falling so rapidly that it should be a source of electricity generation still cheaper than traditional fossil fuels in the space of a few years, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). That being the case, why would Kenya go back and divert coal when we have cheaper and less polluting options?

Adnan Amin, chief executive officer of IRENA, said: "Renewable energies are not only environmentally friendly. decision, it is now – overwhelming – a smart economy … We expect the transition will accelerate worldwide in 2018. "

The cost of 2.3 billion dollars (Sh231 billion) to build the coal-fired power plant and the transmission lines is a huge amount of money.Sure, these funds could build many clean power plants all over the country in areas that really need it? For example, Swaziland is building a solar plant of 100 MW for less than 185 million dollars (18.6 billion shillings). Kenya could build 10 solar power plants of 100 MW for the same price as an old coal-fired power plant. would not have to spend 300 million dollars (30.2 billion shillings) on the transmission lines to travel 500 km to Nairobi.Mr President, imagine what other projects these spared millions could finance! [19659002] Some argue that it is not the government that pays, but private investors. However, the only reason why Centum, Gulf Energy and GE are investing, is because your government has given investor guarantees that will be badumed by all KPLC customers. The people of Kenya will pay to these investors, whether they consume power or not through royalties received in the amount of $ 30 million (Sh3 billion) per month (former president of the Hindral Jabbal ERC of Kenya). Mr. President, imagine what we could build in terms of electricity generation capacity and other necessary infrastructure with 30 million dollars (3 billion shillings) per month?

Kenya has many responsible options to provide the energy we need. Unused geothermal estimates of 10,000 MW as well as solar and wind. Kenya should continue to lead the way as an economy based on renewable energies.

We should be proud in 2030 by showing that we had achieved the 2030 vision. Your legacy, Mr. President, should not include a rusty coal factory in Lamu. reminds us of the white elephant that it will become when it is built. You have the power to stop this project clearly defective and make a real difference to Kenya's future.

I pray for Kenya that you make the right decision.