Pow er En er gy Society- IEEE K ENYA SECTION-

MAY 7, 2018 STRATHMORE ENERGY RESEARCH CENTER

The following is a report of the event's activities. PES DAY KENYA 2018

PES Day marked the day the Power Engineering Society was changed to the Power Energy Society after a final vote from the PES membership exactly 10 years ago.

The Kenyan Chapter held PES Day at the Strathmore Energy Research Center (SERC) on 22nd April 2018.

The goal of PES Day was to engage the PES Volunteers with PES History and the 5 Pillars of the " More Power To The Future" vision which included;

- Advancing global participation- Educating the future workforce- Industry Activity Trends- Standards Leadership- Participating in regulatory activities

PES DAY participants chanting #MorePowerToTheFuture during the group photo session

MAY 7, 2018 Author Name: Mercy Chelangat K.

Excursion to the SERC Solar Plant

RELEVANCE OF THE DAYAs the electricity industry

continues to mature, new technologies such as rooftop solar and electric vehicles are expected to decrease significantly in cost, with the potential to disrupt industry players that operate in the conventional energy markets.

We sought to visit one of the centers that is pioneering the renewable energy sector. The SERC is an applied technology center (RETs) where renewable energy technologies are researched on tested and adapted to local conditions. The center develops methods and evaluates current trends in the implementation of RETs with an aim of improving existing knowledge and practices.

I nvaluable insights were shared. So much to carry home. THE SUCCESS OF THE DAY

The event started with a powerful opening prayer by Joy Atieno. The introductory remarks were given by Faith Gicugu, the interim co-ordinator. The interim PES Chair Kenya Chapter Eng. Eliud Limo presented a brief history of PES and the milestones taken. Humphrey Muhindi, the IEEE TEMS YP R8 Industry Relations Lead spoke about the essence of active involvement in IEEE and highlighted the many opportunities that lay ahead for the chapter. Mercy Chelangat K, the acting Secretary and PES Women in Power (WiP) rep for R8 - Africa Section encouraged the members to join WiP in a bid to support job growth, professional networks and women's education in the energy industry.

Thereafter, we were inducted around the solar plant, a 600kW grid-tied system, part of which is fed to the Kenya Power utility grid. This is one of its kind in the region.

The members present were glad to participate in the event and hoped to be part of the many more as they interacted over refreshments. They were impressed by the formation of the PES chapter and looked forward to actively participate in building the electric energy industry while leading young as well.

Overview of Events Undertaken During the Day.

A collage of the proceedings during the talks and induction. The final cake

cutting session is featured too.