Turning energy access into economic opportunity
The Productive Use of Energy Working Group brings together KEREA members and sector stakeholders interested in using renewable energy to support income-generating activities, enterprise growth and improved livelihoods.
Productive use of energy goes beyond providing electricity for lighting and household consumption. It focuses on applying energy to activities that generate economic and social value, including agriculture, manufacturing, refrigeration, water pumping, digital services and small-business development.
Working group objectives
- Promote awareness of productive-use technologies and business models.
- Identify market, policy and financing barriers affecting productive-use projects.
- Support collaboration between renewable energy companies, financiers, government institutions and end users.
- Encourage the development of practical and affordable productive-use solutions.
- Share lessons, research and market information among KEREA members.
- Contribute to policies and programmes that connect energy access with economic development.
Key areas of focus
Climate-smart agriculture
The working group supports renewable energy applications that improve agricultural productivity and resilience. These may include solar-powered irrigation, water pumping, crop drying, milling, cold storage and agro-processing.
Cold storage and refrigeration
Reliable refrigeration can reduce post-harvest losses, preserve food and medicine, and improve market access for farmers and small enterprises. The group promotes appropriate renewable energy solutions for cold-chain development.
Small and medium enterprises
Renewable energy can support businesses such as workshops, salons, retail outlets, digital service centres, restaurants and light manufacturing enterprises, particularly in areas where grid electricity is unavailable or unreliable.
Water services
Solar water pumping and purification technologies can improve access to water for households, livestock, irrigation and commercial activities while reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-powered systems.
Financing and business models
The working group explores financing models that make productive-use equipment accessible to enterprises, cooperatives, farmers and community organisations. These may include leasing, pay-as-you-go financing, results-based financing and blended finance.
Expected outcomes
- Greater awareness of productive-use opportunities in Kenya.
- Improved coordination between technology providers, users and financiers.
- Identification of viable projects and investment opportunities.
- Practical recommendations for policy and programme development.
- Increased adoption of renewable energy for income-generating activities.
- Stronger participation by KEREA members in productive-use initiatives.
Who can participate?
Participation is open to eligible KEREA members with an interest in productive use of renewable energy. This may include renewable energy companies, equipment suppliers, project developers, financial institutions, researchers, development organisations and technical professionals.
Interested organisations can contact the KEREA Secretariat for information about meetings, activities and opportunities to participate.