Equator Energy powers Kenyan cement plant with 10-MW solar array

• Equator Energy commissioned a 10-MW solar park for Mombasa Cement in Kenya, cutting costs, emissions, and grid dependence at an energy-intensive facility.

Equator Energy has switched on a 10-MW solar park serving Mombasa Cement in Kenya, a sizable step in the country’s commercial-and-industrial (C&I) clean-power market. Cement manufacturing is energy-hungry and cost-exposed; coupling production with on-site or dedicated solar smooths bills, trims carbon, and reduces reliance on an often-stressed grid during peak hours.

The installation follows a pragmatic, bankable blueprint. High-efficiency modules mounted on fixed-tilt or single-axis structures maximize yield across seasons, while a DC/AC ratio tuned for annual output ensures inverters operate in their sweet spot. Plant-level controls are configured for voltage support, ride-through, and fast curtailment—capabilities essential to integrate reliably with Kenya’s network. Equator’s monitoring stack tracks performance at string level, catching under-performing sections quickly and minimizing downtime.

For Mombasa Cement, the benefits are immediate and layered. Daytime solar covers a large share of base load; any surplus can offset other facilities through wheeling arrangements where permitted. Pairing the array with demand-side measures—process scheduling, variable-speed drives, thermal storage—stretches savings further. Over time, adding a modest battery could shave brief evening peaks, provide backup during grid disturbances, and unlock participation in emerging flexibility programs.

The project also models good neighbor practices. Construction brought local jobs and procurement; operations sustain technical roles in O&M. Environmental measures—managed groundcover to control erosion and dust, targeted weed control, and drainage designed for heavy rains—are embedded in site management. Clear end-of-life plans for decommissioning and recycling of components reassure regulators and communities alike.

C&I solar in East Africa is moving from early adopters to mainstream, driven by rising tariffs, sustainability mandates from global supply chains, and the falling cost of PV hardware. With a 10-MW landmark now live at one of Kenya’s industrial heavyweights, Equator Energy has shown how standardized engineering and credible O&M create bankable savings—and a path for other manufacturers to follow.