Episode Details

Renewables and E-mobility

E-mobility, the use of electric powertrain technologies in-vehicle transformation, allows for the use of electricity to enable the electric propulsion of various forms of transportation. Powertrain technologies refer to full electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be less carbon-intensive than conventional diesel counterparts. Such technologies provide countries an opportunity to reduce their total emissions while still meeting transportation demands. As e-mobility efforts rise, many countries are beginning to ramp up the use of renewables in the power grid as they electrify transportation. While this is particularly challenging in rural settings, there are possible solutions. 

Electrifying Kenya

Kenya provides an important example. For the past two decades, Kenya’s power sector has been growing exponentially. In 2022, over 75% of households reported increased access to the power grid—an estimated 52% increase since 2013. Although urbanized areas of Kenya have full access to the grid, most rural regions of the country are unelectrified. In order to achieve rapid electrification, the government of Kenya (GOK) has been investing in cheap renewable energy sources such as geothermal, wind, solar and (more controversially), natural gas. The Electricity Mobility Task Force in Kenya is the main organization working to increase the usage of e-mobility through legislation, regulations, and impact assessments to decrease reliance on pollution from fossil fuels. Currently, the extension of the national grid mainly includes off-grid solutions through mini-grids and solar home systems. As of now this is the most cost-effective solution, but further research is needed to better understand the supply and demand of electricity usage in Kenya.  The work in Kenya provides pathways for many of the rural regions of the world.  

Impacts of E-mobility

Broadly, e-mobility has the potential for countries to reduce emissions from fossil fuels and meet clean energy standards. In 2021, the transportation sector accounted for 28% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. As transportation is one of the largest contributors to global emissions, research to decarbonize this sector has mainly focused on the transition to various forms of electric transportation. Achieving decarbonization through the growth of EVs comes with various advantages including the growth of renewable energy jobs, improved reliance of electricity (particularly during extreme weather conditions), and increased energy efficiency and emissions reductions. As EVs do not rely on internal combustion engines, forms of electric transportation do not produce harmful tailpipe emissions, and, as a result, decreases air pollution. The savings in fuel and maintenance costs over the lifetime of an EV can offset the higher initial purchase  price. 

Difficulties in Clean Electrification

The provision of electricity is extremely challenging in remote settings in Kenya and well beyond. Large u