The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has commissioned its first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to power its Modular Data Center (MDC) at the company’s headquarters in Nairobi.
The 1.16 megawatt-hour (MWh) BESS will support the 52-kilowatt MDC, which houses 356 U-spaces to accommodate KenGen’s expanding digital infrastructure. The system guarantees uninterrupted renewable power supply, even during periods of low grid demand, reflecting KenGen’s commitment to a low-carbon, digitally empowered future.
KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga described the project as a significant milestone in Kenya’s green energy transition. “By integrating battery storage into our data infrastructure, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also showcasing how energy utilities can lead in sustainable innovation,” he said during the launch event.
BESS technology enables large-scale storage of energy especially from renewable sources like solar and wind and discharges it when needed, such as during peak demand or power outages. The system operates by converting electrical energy into chemical energy during storage. When required, a power conversion system (PCS) transforms the stored energy back into Alternating Current (AC) power for grid use, managed by an Energy Management System (EMS) that optimizes performance and battery longevity.
This development forms a cornerstone of KenGen’s “Good to Great” (G2G) 2034 strategy, which aims to roll out 500MWh of energy storage capacity in the next decade. It also positions the company as a pioneer in leveraging renewable storage to meet the rising demands for computing and digital connectivity in Africa.
Beyond powering internal operations, the project serves as a model for other utilities seeking sustainable, efficient energy solutions. BESS offers numerous benefits including improved grid stability, cost savings, enhanced energy independence, and seamless backup during outages.
KenGen’s BESS initiative underscores the growing role of smart energy storage in Africa’s push for clean, reliable, and future-ready power infrastructure.
