Nairobi: Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Dian Kiptoba, has outlined the commitment of energy regulators in ensuring a seamless supply of energy in the East African community. Speaking at an annual general assembly for the East African Republic Regulators Association, which is an association of regulators in the electricity, renewable energy, and downstream and upstream petroleum sectors in the region, Kiptoba emphasized the collaboration and exchange of ideas in relation to energy trade.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kiptoba stated that the association is focused on establishing the right regulatory frameworks and ensuring standardization. He highlighted the importance of deliberating on collaboration within the East African region concerning energy and petroleum. The Director General noted the existence of numerous collaborations and partnerships both bilaterally between countries and within the association itself, emphasizing the importance of information and knowledge sharing as the foundation for collaboration.
Kiptoba mentioned the synergies achieved, particularly in electricity trade, oil and gas resource development, local content, and technical expertise exchange. He pointed out that some countries have power surpluses while others face deficits, and through knowledge sharing among regulators, technical bottlenecks are being addressed to balance these discrepancies. He also discussed the identification and construction of necessary transmission lines to facilitate the transfer of power from surplus to deficit areas.
He noted that Kenya aims to become an oil producer in the coming years, although currently facing a power deficit and relying on imports from Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Despite this, Kenya boasts strong geothermal and hydro resources, as well as significant wind and solar potential. Kiptoba underscored the need to harmonize regulatory frameworks and standards to realize the true spirit of the East African community and leverage the region’s strengths.
The Director General also mentioned government interventions to sustain the security of supply by engaging with suppliers in the Middle East. He addressed the topic of nuclear energy, advocating for public education and acceptance, drawing examples from countries like Germany, France, and South Africa that have successfully adopted nuclear energy. Kiptoba identified challenges in gaining public acceptance for nuclear projects in Kenya, particularly in Kilifi and Kwale counties. He urged the country not to wait until hydro resources are exhausted before developing alternative energy sources to accommodate future industrial growth.