3.5 MW Bomas International Convention Centre Solar Plant under construction

Bomas of Kenya has announced the 3.5 MW Bomas International Convention Centre Solar Plant. The rooftop system is planned to supply electricity to the convention centre, which is under construction to host international conferences, exhibitions and diplomatic meetings in Kenya. The installation is sited on the complex roof to deliver on-site generation and reduce the venue's draw from the grid.

Acting Bomas of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Okidiyang said the system would include battery storage to support the facility's power needs. He added that electricity from the Solar Plant will initially be consumed within the BICC complex, which is designed to accommodate up to 11,000 people. The storage element is intended to smooth supply during event periods and support critical loads.

The convention centre's layout comprises five main sections: an auditorium, convention hall, ballroom, meeting rooms and a presidential area, all of which will require power for lighting, air conditioning, communications and conference equipment. Kenya Defence Forces project officer Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrida Amondi said the building's design was inspired by the acacia tree. She noted that its flat roof provides space for installing the solar panels.

The wider development scope includes on-site connections for electricity, water, sewer services, fibre-optic networks and improved roads to support operations and visitor access. Construction is about 55% complete, with roughly 1,800 workers currently on site. Discussions are ongoing with government agencies on arrangements for distributing the electricity generated by the Solar Plant.

The rooftop installation is expected to reduce reliance on other sources of electricity for the centre. The convention centre represents the first phase of a larger development that will add commercial facilities, hotels and a proposed sports arena with capacity for 20,000 people. Final commissioning timing has not been disclosed.