It sounds simplistic but it is a high value business model based on very simple chemistry with all the inputs (water, air, solar electricity) obtained from the site.
The proposed energy and industrial complex by Tarita Green Energy, will be located at Kaptagat near Eldoret and will produce hydrogen, ammonia, ammonium fertilisers, and 195 MW solar electricity for both own-use and dispatch onto national grid. The processes will be fully green with hardly any carbon footprint, making it a prime candidate for climate finance.
Green hydrogen will be obtained through electrolysis, which splits water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen using solar electricity.
Nitrogen which is obtained by distilling air is combined with hydrogen to make ammonia. Ammonia will be a key input in making various ammonium fertilisers. The process requirements are availability of fresh water (Sosiani River) and solar electricity which is renewable.
Globally, green hydrogen has become an alternative clean fuel to replace fossil fuels.
Currently the Japanese auto industries are perfecting an advanced auto engine which will use hydrogen in place of gasolines and diesels. It will be a major competitor for electric mobility, which is under threat from limited availability of critical battery minerals due to adverse geopolitics and conflicts.
Further, hydrogen which has high flame-temperatures is a credible alternative for fossil fuels (coal, fuel oil and natural gas) used for industrial heating.
I assume that locally generated hydrogen will provide heating energy for the Kaptagat complex, with the opportunity for other industries setting up at Kaptagat to utilise hydrogen for heating.
The Kaptagat green project straddles mandates of several ministries (Energy, Industries, Agriculture, Environment) and has numerous economic opportunities and impacts on GDP, which include reduction of fertiliser and fuels imports.
Regional exports of ammonium fertilisers and pure ammonia is another plus.
Above all, the project will add value to food security. Additionally, with local availability of clean energy, Kaptagat can be an incubator of an industrial park especially for agro processing, all of which will come with high value jobs for university and TVET graduates.
The Kaptagat project mirrors another proposed investment at Grand Falls Dam on Tana River, an indication that many such green hydrogen can be replicated in many other parts of Kenya where fresh water is available.
And as hydrogen and solar technologies advance, I can foresee miniaturised applications of both in many economic activities.
And here we are talking of a future economy actively supported by solar and hydrogen technologies, which should be prioritised for licensing.
