Enigin Update - Kenyan Manufacturers Benefit from Energy Efficiency
MANUFACTURERS in Kenya are using energy-efficient technologies to save on production costs, increase the competitiveness of their products and hence protect their bottom line.
An audit in 2010 by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Centre for Energy Efficiency Conservation revealed significant savings of Sh783 million ($9,282,421) on energy costs.
The Centre is an initiative by KAM to encourage companies to use energy efficiently while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
An example of the initiatives success is Kenafric Industries, fwho saved Sh24 million ($284,518) last year by installing an energy efficient motor controller at its footwear division alone.
KAM commented that energy requirements by Kenya’s manufacturing sector increases by around 10 percent annually.
KAM chief executive Betty Maina commented: “With minimum improvements in operations, industries could save between 15 and 30 per cent of their current energy consumption.”
To further drive energy efficiency two weeks ago KAM signed a Sh286 million ($3,390,514) deal with the French Development Agency, which will provide technical assistance to renewable energy and energy efficiency investments in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The Regional Technical Assistance Programme will provide an environmental, soft credit line to Kenyan, Ugandan and Tanzanian banks.
The Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund of the European Union has also provided a grant of Sh220 ($2,608,088) million with the French agency providing Sh66 million ($782,426) towards the development of energy efficiency in the three countries.
“The projects will significantly contribute towards the improvement of the business sustainability and competitiveness through the provision and facilitation of a more secure power supply and a lower energy bill,” said Maina.
Enigin have the range of energy efficiency solutions to enable manufacturers to gain control of their energy use.
Enigin Distributors across the African continent have exclusive access to these solutions, which can help with energy management, monitoring, lighting, motor control, air-con, refrigeration and renewable energy monitoring - all leading to savings financially and environmentally.
Picture of Nairobi, Kenya by Jorge Lascar
