By George Munene
The Government of Kenya and Australian green energy firm Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) have signed a binding framework agreement to manufacture affordable green fertilisers by 2025.
This will lessen Kenya’s dependence on imports of fertilisers from foreign nations with fossil-fuel-free alternatives, reduce the high cost of fertiliser, boost food production as well as provide skilled jobs.
The initial facility which will be located at Naivasha near the Olkaria geothermal field will have an initial generation capacity of 300MW of green ammonia and green fertiliser.
Feasibility studies for two further projects could scale up renewable electricity generation by up to 25GW, which could ultimately produce up to 1.7 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year for export.
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The deal which aims to fast-track Kenya’s development of an affordable green fertiliser supply chain and other green hydrogen-based industries and their derivatives was signed on the sidelines of COP27 by the President of Kenya Dr. William Ruto and the Executive Chairman of Fortescue Dr. Andrew Forrest.
“Today marks the beginning of what we all believe will be a long and fruitful partnership between Kenya and FFI. Production of clean fertiliser will help reduce our reliance on imports, check the high cost of fertiliser, and boost food production,” said Ruto
FFI intends to fast-tracking significant investment to develop green industrial facilities in Naivasha, Mombasa, and Lamu, with the potential to create thousands of new jobs and deliver significant manufacturing and industrial development to Kenya.
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Dr. Forrest said, “Current ammonia and fertiliser production relies almost exclusively on fossil fuels and results in considerable CO2 emissions.
“By stepping away from fossil fuels to use green ammonia, Kenya can eliminate its reliance on imports, reduce the cost of fertiliser and increase its food and economic security.
“Today’s agreement sets Kenya on a path to industrial decarbonisation and we are committed to walking with Kenya on that journey every step of the way.”