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Kenya adds 79 MW to grid with geothermal plant
KENYA
KENYA Electricity Generating (KenGen) said on July 30 that it had added 79 MW to the national grid thanks to the completion of Unit 1 at the Olkaria V geothermal power plant. e utility said the new plant was rst synchronised to the grid on June 28, subsequently undergoing commissioning tests. e unit’s full capacity is 82.7 MW.
Start-upofthenewfacilityhaspushedKenya up to eighth place among the world’s leading geothermal producers, moving the country ahead of Iceland in its use of the resource. It comes as Kenya is steadily adding more renew- ables to its energy mix. The country already generates roughly 70% of its installed electric- ity from renewable sources, which is more than three times the global average.
“We are delighted to announce the comple- tion of the rst unit of Olkaria V geothermal power plant and subsequently injecting 79 MW to the national grid,” KenGen’s managing direc- tor, Rebecca Miano, said. “ is brings to 612 MW the total amount of installed geothermal power capacity by KenGen and will be signi - cant in ensuring that our country’s power needs are met through the continuous use of green energy solutions,” she added.
“Consistent with our long-term plan, we are continuously working on increasing our renew- able energy to provide a ordable energy to Ken- yans while safeguarding the environment. is, in turn, will lead to the provision of stable energy to power households and industries across the country,” Miano said.
e Olkaria V plant is expected to contribute a total of 158 MW once Unit 2 is synchronised with the grid at the end of August. KenGen expects that this will enhance its position as the leading electricity generating company in East Africa, as well as supporting Kenya’s Big
Four Agenda and the Vision 2030 development blueprint.
e Big Four Agenda covers food security, a ordable housing, manufacturing and a orda- ble healthcare for all. Vision 2030 was launched in 2008, aimed at making Kenya a newly indus- trialising, “middle income country providing high quality life for all its citizens by the year 2030”.
In a move to diversify beyond electricity generation, KenGen is rolling out plans to start o ering expert services in various energy matters across Africa. ese include the sale of steam, the provision of consultancy ser- vices, commercial drilling and heating, among others.
Under this strategy, the utility won a contract in February to drill geothermal wells in Ethio- pia in partnership with China’s Shandong Kerui Group. The contract covers the implementa- tion of rigs and accessories as well as rig oper- ation and maintenance for drilling geothermal wells at Aluto. e contract was nanced by the World Bank through a $76.8mn loan to the Ethi- opian government. It is anticipated to generate KES621mn ($5.9mn) for KenGen, adding to the utility’s revenue streams.
The project will be implemented in two phases, with the initial deal entailing the pur- chase of rigs, while Phase II will entail the provi- sion of drilling services.
“As we extend our services to Ethiopia, we are leveraging on our expertise, in-depth knowl- edge of the African Ri Valley and close to four decades of successful drilling experience,” said Miano at the time the contract was awarded.
e contract also came as a boost for Ethio- pia, which had been trying to start geothermal development since 1981, but had yet to make a commercial breakthrough.™
Start-up of the new facility has pushed Kenya up to eighth place among the world’s leading geothermal producers.
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w w w . N E W S B A S E . c o m Week 30 31•July•2019