Kenya Energy Generating Company (KenGen) is preparing to launch a fully built geothermal power station at Olkaria, which would contribute 86MW of electricity to the national grid, with more exploration planned.
According to Peketsa Mangi, the company’s Geothermal Development Director, the new power plant located at its Olkaria one-unit VI power station would be commissioned by the president within the next three months after the Covid – 19 epidemic delayed the procedure.
Mangi said the additional units will see the company total generating installed capacity drilled at the Olkaria wells located in Naivasha stand at approximately 790 MW of electricity achieved through decades of clean energy exploration.
The director said the milestones in geothermal exploration has been achieved through the government’s full commitments in developing policies that enhance and support the use of clean, renewable and environmentally friendly energy.
“The additional power units to the national grid underscores KenGen and government commitments to the use of clean energy and reduce the carbon footprints in the environment,” said Mangi.
He stated that KenGen reached a big milestone by exploring 280 MW of electricity at its Olkaria IV and I units, which were commissioned in 2014 – 2015 and are the country’s largest geothermal power plant to date.
Mangi also stated that KenGen is nearing completion of the geothermal development at the Eburru Wellhead plant location, which would result in a generating capacity of up to 25 MW, up from the existing 2.5 MW.
Additionally, the director said the company is undertaking the final feasibility study of a new geothermal plant which is set to produce 140 MW of power at its developing Olkaria 7 plant.
The director was addressing the press during the distribution of water tanks to over 300 beneficiaries including schools, hospitals, police posts located within Olkaria area.
According to KenGen Foundation managing trustee Antony Igecha, the company has invested Sh20 million to various water projects in the surrounding communities to enhance water security.
