Wind Pumps in Tomorrow’s World

Last Updated 2 weeks ago by Kenya Engineer

When we think about sustainable energy solutions for the future, renewable energy inevitably takes center stage. In line with the global 2030 goals, much attention has been placed on solar, wind, and hydropower as critical contributors to a cleaner energy mix.

This reflection takes me back to “technologies of yesterday.” As a child, I often visited relatives in the countryside, where the backdrop of conversations was the rhythmic sound of rotating windmills and the gushing of water. I was captivated by the cracking sounds as the blades turned—sounds that grew faster and faster until, suddenly, water poured out. To me, that was magic.

Fast-forward to today, and such sights and sounds have become rare. Solar pumps have taken over, seemingly sidelining my once majestic windmill. That sparked my curiosity: what would it take to see these grand machines return to the landscapes of rural Kenya? Hence, my reflection on Wind Pumps in Tomorrow’s World.

This is not just nostalgia speaking. The technology itself carries untapped potential. Of course, wind pumps face challenges: high capital costs, the intermittent nature of wind, and relatively heavy maintenance demands. Yet despite these obstacles, there are companies and communities that continue to champion the technology. I’m especially fascinated by Texas Windmill, which still produces models styled after the classic 1930s aero motors. If anything, it affirms that this “OG” technology still has a place in our future.

Like every renewable energy solution, wind pumps are not without their flaws. But that is where we, as engineers, find our purpose—designing solutions that bridge those gaps.

Energy storage has been a game-changer for renewables. In solar PV, battery storage ensures power even when sunlight is low. The same principle could be applied to wind pumps, with storage covering periods of low wind supply. Personally, I find water storage to be the most practical solution. Unlike batteries, it avoids after-life disposal challenges, and more importantly, it directly aligns with the rural application of wind pumps—supplying farms and households with water. We’ve already seen this concept work in Nairobi, where storage helps cushion the city from water shortages. The same logic could transform rural access to reliable water supply.

There are several types of wind pumping systems in use today:

Mechanical Windmill Pumping – Vertical-axis turbines linked directly to piston or diaphragm pumps.
Wind-Powered Electric Pumps – Wind turbines that generate electricity to drive electric pumps.
Hybrid Systems – Configurations that combine wind with solar or diesel generators for reliability.

These options create flexibility, allowing adaptation to specific sites and project requirements.

The windmill will always carry its grandeur, but cost remains a stumbling block, especially with importation and transport. Here, policy intervention could make a real difference. Incentives such as tax breaks would make the technology more accessible by reducing upfront costs. One lesson from Kijito Wind Pumps was the misconception that the technology is outdated. As Kenya embraces utility-scale wind farms, we must also educate the public that wind pumps remain relevant and practical for today’s challenges—and tomorrow’s opportunities.

The windmill may be a symbol of the past, but with the right innovations and support, it could very well reclaim its place in shaping a sustainable future.

The Author, Eng. Diana Keter is a Professional Engineer registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya, with over 15 years of experience in the building services industry. She currently serves as the Head of the MEP Department at FBW Group, a role she has held for the past one and a half years, leading projects across East Africa and the wider African region. Her portfolio includes major assignments such as serving as Lead Electrical Engineer for the Olkaria I Unit 6 Power Plant in Naivasha for KenGen under an ECP contract led by Fuji, Lead Electrical Engineer for Zaria Court—Kigali’s first urban lifestyle hotel, and Supervising Electrical Engineer for the CREATOR Building in Malawi, an ambitious project by the Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) to foster a world-class training environment for emerging African health leaders