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KenGen aims to build 682 MW of

geothermal in four years

KENYA KENYAN state generator KenGen aims to install international experts to lead in the geothermal
682 MW of new geothermal capacity over the expansion programme that will take its market
next four years in a bid to meet rising demand share of installed capacity beyond the current
and achieve a new source of cheap electricity. 65%.
The firm says the planned plants are in line “To realise its ambitious geothermal expan-
with its geothermal expansion programme, sion programme, the company wishes to con-
which will see it achieve its targeted installed stitute a board of consultants by engaging four
power generation capacity – mostly from green international experts,” says the firm in tender
sources – to 2,500 MW by 2025. documents, without revealing how they will
KenGen will have to increase its installed fund the new plants.
capacity by 27.3%, or 682.18 MW, from the cur- “The experts will advise the company on key
rent 1,817.82 MW in the next four years, and aspects of geothermal development activities,
sees geothermal power as the favourable route processes, and practices for a period of four
to achieving this. years.”
The company’s green capacity, which includes The experts will work with KenGen in identi-
geothermal, hydro and wind, currently stands at fying suitable drilling technology and best prac-
1,564.32 MW. This includes hydro (825.69 MW), tices in managing geothermal plants.
geothermal (713.13 MW) and wind (25.5 MW). KenGen also expects the experts to help in
The planned new projects carry the potential developing models that can cut drilling time and
to give geothermal the largest share of the energy maximise output.
mix. KenGen also has 253.5 MW of thermal Kenya plans to raise the installed power
energy, mainly diesel-fired, for stabilising the capacity from 2,298 MW to about 17,760 MW by
grid. 2030, with geothermal anticipated to contribute
KenGen is therefore looking for four about 7,000 MW.™

P10 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 30 29•July•2021