Boosting clean energy and cutting costs, Orb Energy installs 2.9 MW rooftop solar at Kenya’s Mabati Rolling Mills.
Orb Energy has partnered with Mabati Rolling Mills (MRM) to install a 2.9 MW rooftop solar system at MRM’s Mariakani facility. The system is expected to generate over 4,200 MWh of electricity annually, reducing reliance on the national grid and cutting operational costs.
The project, financed with support from GridX Africa, aims to improve energy efficiency for MRM while reducing carbon emissions. The solar installation is projected to avoid approximately 3,800 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year and deliver annual savings of around $300,000. Components were supplied from India, with implementation carried out locally by Orb Energy’s Kenyan subsidiary.
The move is part of a broader effort to promote renewable energy adoption in Africa’s industrial sector. The installation is expected to support MRM’s sustainability objectives by integrating clean energy into its operations and enhancing energy security amid rising global electricity costs.
Industry observers note that such large-scale solar projects demonstrate how energy-intensive industries can contribute to climate action while maintaining competitiveness. By reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based electricity, companies like MRM are able to align with national and international sustainability targets, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Mariakani project reflects growing interest in rooftop solar as a viable option for industrial energy management in Kenya, providing a model that other manufacturers may follow to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
