The Government of Kenya and Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to establish a sizeable green energy and fertiliser project.
Kenyan Premier H.E. Dr William Ruto CGH and Fortescue Executive Chairman Dr Andrew Forrest signed an Investment Support and Implementation Agreement to expedite the Framework Agreement struck during COP27 to potentially develop a 300MW green ammonia and fertiliser facility near the Olkaria geothermal field in Naivasha.
The parties have also agreed to add the provision of green electricity to Kenya’s grid as part of the project’s scope.
The agreement establishes a commercial framework for the project’s implementation, including government backing for crucial resources, infrastructure, and offtake.
“Today we mark an important milestone in our commitments to not only reduce Green House Gas emissions, but more significantly make a bold statement that Kenya is on an ambitious green growth agenda,” President Ruto said.
President Ruto stated that they are also taking proactive actions to not only give answers to the global climate catastrophe but also to catapult our people and economies into the Green Industrial Age.
“Our plan to achieve radical socio-economic transformation commits our government to accelerate geothermal resource development, reduce the cost of renewable energy and transition to 100% clean energy generation, by 2030. This requires major equity and technological investments,” President Ruto added.
According to Dr Forrest, momentum is boosting Kenya’s aim of becoming a world leader in manufacturing green ammonia fertiliser. In doing so, Dr Forrest stated that its leadership is providing Kenya with extra energy security that goes beyond the use of fossil fuels, most notably by reducing dependency on Russian-imported fertiliser.
“This partnership sets Kenya on a path to industrial decarbonisation and we are determined to be with the people of Kenya on that journey, every step of the way,” Dr Forrest said.
Australia’s Chargé d’affaires, a.i. to Kenya, Linda Gellard, was also at the signing and stated, “Today’s agreement is a significant contribution to Australia’s long-term engagement with Kenya and the region. The Australian Government welcomes this ground-breaking partnership, providing a high-quality blueprint for others to follow.”
The Investment Support and Implementation Agreement solidifies FFI’s commitment to expediting engineering and environmental studies and early procurement for industrial facility construction as the Kenyan government reiterates its commitment to promoting, facilitating, and protecting FFI investment.
