Empower New Energy has received an Electricity Generation License from Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for its new 4 MWp solar power plant, alongside the signing of a USD 2.5 million solar project agreement with Abyssinia Group of Industries (AGI) — East Africa’s largest steel manufacturer. This latest milestone marks another major step in advancing industrial-scale renewable energy adoption in Kenya and is expected to cut approximately 3,500 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, directly supporting Kenya’s Paris Agreement target of a 32% emissions reduction.
The newly signed 25-year solar power supply contract, with a capacity of 4 MWp, expands upon three existing agreements between Empower New Energy and Abyssinia, totaling 5 MWp already in operation at Abyssinia’s Awasi steel factory. Once the full 9 MWp solar facility is completed, it will generate an estimated 14 GWh of clean electricity per year, substantially reducing reliance on grid electricity and diesel generators while saving over 7,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
Terje Osmundsen, Chief Executive Officer of Empower New Energy, described the expansion as a reflection of strong collaboration and mutual growth. “This fourth solar project with Abyssinia Group is a testimony of the mutual benefits of our partnership. Together, we are building one of the largest industrial solar portfolios in Kenya, improving environmental performance while enhancing the competitiveness of a leading manufacturer,” he said.
Echoing that sentiment, Jateen Patel, Chief Executive Officer of Abyssinia Group of Industries, emphasized the strategic value of renewable energy for the industrial sector. “This fourth investment by Empower New Energy reflects the trust and results we have built together over time. Reliable and affordable energy is critical for steel production, and by expanding our renewable power portfolio, we are reducing costs, cutting carbon, and proving that African heavy industry can lead the way toward a cleaner future,” he noted.
Berjeesh D. Surty, Managing Director of Spenomatic, added, “We are excited to collaborate with Empower New Energy and Abyssinia Steel on this transformative solar project. Together, we are setting a benchmark for clean energy adoption in the industrial sector.”
Abyssinia Group of Industries, one of East Africa’s leading steel producers, operates across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda, with an annual production capacity approaching one million metric tons. The company’s ongoing investments in solar power underline its commitment to transitioning toward 100% renewable energy in its operations.
The ground-mounted solar facility will be constructed and operated by Spenomatic, a leading Nairobi-based solar engineering and contracting firm that successfully delivered Abyssinia’s previous three solar projects. The partnership continues to strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional hub for industrial clean energy innovation, supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
