Unraveling Kenya's Dominance in Renewable Energy
In the heart of Kenya, the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally took place in June, with Toyota claiming the top four positions, marking a significant victory for the automotive giant. But the Safari Rally Kenya was more than just a race; it was a celebration of connections, resilience, and the power of renewable energy.
Toyota's success was not solely due to the prowess of its vehicles. A group of chefs played a crucial role in the success of Toyota at the Safari Rally Kenya. Their culinary skills were instrumental in sustaining the rally team in the challenging Kenyan terrain. The chefs' stories from the Safari Rally Kenya are shared on World Toyota News, providing insights into the unexpected challenges they faced and the obstacles they overcame to provide food for the entire rally team.
The Safari Rally Kenya also highlighted Kenya's links to Japan, particularly through rose cultivation. However, the relationship between the two countries extends beyond flowers. Toyota Tsusho, a Toyota group company, is supporting the lives of Kenyans by expanding access to eco-friendly electricity. This is achieved through the Menengai geothermal power project, a significant initiative that aims to provide sustainable energy to about 70,000 rural households and 300,000 small businesses and industries.
Toyota Tsusho's efforts in Kenya reflect a practical, infrastructure-based approach to increasing access to renewable energy. The company, alongside its group company CFAO Kenya Limited, secured an order from Globeleq’s Kenyan subsidiary to deliver critical components for a 35 MW geothermal facility, part of a larger project that will eventually produce 105 MW and generate 1,000 gigawatt-hours annually. This project is a testament to the collaboration between African development institutions and Japanese expertise, with financial participation by JBIC and Mizuho Bank and insurance support by NEXI to mitigate project risks.
The Menengai project exemplifies Toyota Tsusho’s strategy of leveraging Japanese industrial expertise and multilateral financing to support Africa's energy transition, emphasizing geothermal power as a clean and renewable source. While Toyota Tsusho is expanding renewable energy efforts globally, its concrete activities in Kenya highlight its commitment to making a tangible impact on the lives of Kenyans.
The Safari Rally Kenya also saw the unveiling of a new model of the Hilux, further demonstrating Toyota's commitment to innovation and progress. As the world continues to transition towards renewable energy, Toyota Tsusho's efforts in Kenya serve as a shining example of how industry and technology can work together to create a more sustainable future.
[1] Toyota Tsusho Corporation. (2021). Toyota Tsusho's activities in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.toyota-tsusho.com/en/csr/activities/africa/
[2] Toyota Tsusho Corporation. (2021). Toyota Tsusho's activities in renewable energy. Retrieved from https://www.toyota-tsusho.com/en/csr/activities/renewable-energy/
[3] Toyota Tsusho Corporation. (2021). Toyota Tsusho's activities in Menengai geothermal power project. Retrieved from https://www.toyota-tsusho.com/en/csr/activities/menengai-geothermal-power-project/
- Toyota Tsusho's involvement in Kenya extends beyond the automotive industry, as they are also working towards a more sustainable future by supporting the Menengai geothermal power project, which aims to provide renewable energy to thousands of rural households and businesses.
- As the world transitions towards renewable energy, the collaboration between African development institutions and Japanese expertise, such as Toyota Tsusho's efforts in environmental science and technology, can serve as a model for creating a more sustainable future in sports events like the Safari Rally Kenya and other sectors.
