The Role of Ports as Green Energy Hubs: A Case for Lamu Port, Kenya

The global shift to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a decarbonized energy sector to mitigate climate change presents far reaching opportunities and challenges to the maritime sector. The port acts as a major facilitator to global trade bringing convergence to various forms of transport to interlink trade hubs and hence presents a good opportunity for ports to develop facilities for bulk renewable energy solutions. The ports have the capacity to utilize their existing land, infrastructure, resources and grid connectivity for power generation, storage, and supply. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed policies and regulations towards eliminating conventional fuels from the maritime sector and encourages its member states on use of alternative fuels and the development of green energy hubs within ports. There is therefore an ever-increasing demand for renewable energy sources to meet the foreseeable huge demands that will emanate from shipping, transport, and industries. However, developing the energy production capability requires adequate planning, capacity building, investments, and partnerships. The Lamu Port in Kenya presents a unique opportunity towards developing a green energy hub to meet this demand for alternative fuels. This study will outline this possibility while considering availability, demand, policy, ownership, and a brief financial outlook.