A recent study conducted by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has brought to light significant energy efficiency issues within Kenya’s tea and sugar sectors. The Energy Performance Benchmarking Study for Designated Energy Consuming Facilities reveals that these sectors are not only falling behind international standards but are also lagging in comparison to other sectors within Kenya itself. The findings underscore the urgent need for improvements in energy practices to boost competitiveness and sustainability.
The EPRA study provides a comprehensive assessment of energy use across several industries, focusing particularly on tea and sugar production. The results indicate that the average Energy Use Index (EUI) for the tea sector in Kenya is 0.57 kWh per kilogram of made tea. Additionally, wood energy consumption is recorded at 3.83 cubic meters per ton of made tea. The combined EUI for tea processing in Kenya is a notable 31.96 gigajoules (GJ) per ton. This figure is higher than those reported by major tea-producing countries. For instance, India has an EUI of 30.6 GJ/ton, while Sri Lanka stands at 31.23 GJ/ton.
The findings for the sugar sector reveal a similarly troubling picture. The sector’s energy efficiency metrics fall short of international benchmarks, pointing to inefficiencies in energy use that could impact overall productivity and competitiveness. The total electrical energy consumption for the two-year period studied was 231,336 megawatt-hours (MWh), and wood consumption reached 1,540,636 cubic meters. These figures reflect the substantial energy demands of the sectors and highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance efficiency.
Daniel Kiptoo, EPRA Director General, emphasized the importance of energy benchmarking in identifying inefficiencies and estimating potential energy savings. “Energy benchmarking is invaluable for pinpointing energy inefficiencies in production processes and estimating potential energy savings,” Kiptoo said. The study aims to guide the adoption of energy efficiency measures across large and medium-sized institutions and manufacturing firms. By developing energy performance benchmarking models, EPRA seeks to provide a framework for improving energy practices across various industries, including tea and sugar.
The Energy (Energy Management) Regulations 2012 mandate that establishments consuming more than 180,000 kWh of energy annually must conduct an energy audit every three years. The EPRA’s new benchmarking models are designed to help these facilities calculate energy efficiency ratio cut-off points. Once these benchmarks are established and adopted, they are expected to significantly improve energy efficiency, which, in turn, will lower production costs and enhance competitiveness.
The study covers a broad range of sectors beyond tea and sugar, including cement, dairy, flower farms, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and the hotel industry. This comprehensive approach allows for a detailed understanding of energy use and efficiency across different sectors, providing valuable insights for both industry players and policymakers.
For the tea and sugar sectors specifically, the EPRA’s findings highlight the need for substantial improvements in energy management practices. With global competition intensifying, especially from countries with more efficient energy use practices, Kenyan producers must adopt more efficient technologies and processes to stay competitive. Enhanced energy efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering overall energy consumption.
EPRA’s role in this process will be crucial. The authority is set to collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to develop and refine energy performance benchmarking models. This collaboration will help ensure that the models are practical, relevant, and capable of driving meaningful improvements in energy efficiency. By setting clear benchmarks and performance metrics, EPRA aims to create a structured pathway for industries to follow in their efforts to enhance energy use.
The importance of energy efficiency extends beyond cost savings and competitiveness. It also plays a critical role in environmental conservation. By improving energy efficiency, industries can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to national and global efforts to combat climate change. As Kenya continues to develop and industrialize, the push towards more sustainable energy practices will be vital for long-term economic and environmental health.
In conclusion, the EPRA’s study serves as a wake-up call for Kenya’s tea and sugar sectors, highlighting the pressing need for improved energy efficiency. The implementation of effective benchmarking models and adherence to energy management regulations will be essential in addressing these challenges. As the sectors work towards adopting better energy practices, they will not only enhance their competitiveness but also contribute to broader sustainability goals. The collaboration between EPRA and industry stakeholders will be key to achieving these objectives and ensuring a more energy-efficient future for Kenya’s industries.
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