Suswa Solar Installation
About Suswa Solar
The Suswa Solar Park Project is a utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant designed to contribute to Kenya’s energy transition goals by harnessing solar energy for sustainable electricity generation. Spanning across 323.8 ha, it will generate 120 Megawatts (MW) of renewable energy connected to the national grid, addressing the growing energy demand while reducing carbon emissions.
Project Overview
Capacity: The project aims to generate 120 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy.
Phases: It is divided into two phases. Phase 1 focuses on delivering the initial 70MW, while Phase 2 will complete the remaining 50MW.
Site Area: The project spans across 323.8 hectares
Key Assumptions & Standards
The electrical works for the Suswa Solar Park Project cover all activities necessary for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of electrical systems required to generate, transmit, and integrate 120MW of solar energy into the national grid. These are designed and executed based on several key assumptions and compliance with internationally recognized standards to ensure quality, efficiency and safety.
This scope ensures the plant’s operational efficiency, safety and compliance with local and international standards.
Grid Integration
The 10km loop-in, loop-out transmission line to the nearest substation will operate at medium voltage (33kV).
Synchronization with Kenya’s national grid will adhere to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) interconnection requirements.
Site-Specific Conditions
The site in Suswa, Kajiado County, has high solar irradiance, averaging 5-6 peak sun hours/day, making it suitable for a utility-scale PV plant.
Soil conditions allow for trenching and grounding systems without significant geological challenges.
Project Capacity and Phasing
Phase 1: Focused on delivering the initial 70MW with associated electrical infrastructure.
Phase 2: Completion of the remaining 50MW, including grid connection enhancements.
All electrical designs, material procurement and installations will align with these phased implementation timelines.
Technology Selection
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels are assumed for their high efficiency and reliability in Kenyan climatic conditions.
- String Inverters are selected for scalability and ease of maintenance.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
- Compliance with national and international standards (IEC, IEEE).
- Provisions for earthing and bonding to ensure safety and reliability.
- The project assumes minimal disruption to the local ecosystem and complies with Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) findings.
- Adequate safety measures, including grounding and surge protection are integrated into all electrical designs.
