Power producer Kenya Electricity Generating Company Plc (KenGen, and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions (Toshiba ESS), a leading supplier of integrated energy solutions, concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU anticipates a partnership of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services for geothermal power plants in developing countries including East African countries through a combination of KenGen and Toshiba ESS’s know-how and networks. This MoU was signed during TICAD 8 held in Tunisia in August 27 and 28.
KenGen produces about 60% of the electricity installed in the country, with 86% generated from renewable energy, such as hydropower, wind power, and geothermal power. For geothermal power, KenGen has a 799 MW generation installed capacity, including the Olkaria Geothermal Power Plants, Kenya’s largest geothermal power complex. Under this MOU, KenGen will contribute to the development of geothermal power plants in East African countries and become the “The point of expert reference” in Africa.
KenGen Managing Director & CEO, Rebecca Miano said “Geothermal energy provides sustainable power supply. It is a resource we have in abundance in Kenya, an advantage that has enabled us to build a considerable wealth of expertise in its exploration and development. This we have done for more than 50 years.”
Toshiba ESS has delivered 60 geothermal power generation sets with a total capacity of about 3,790 MW all over the world, including Africa. It also supplied 4 sets of 70 MW steam turbines and generators for KenGen’s Olkaria I and IV Geothermal Power Plants.
“I’m delighted to announce this cooperation with KenGen, Toshiba ESS has collaborated in the development of geothermal power generation and human resources in Uganda, Malawi, and other East African countries. Through this collaboration, I’m convinced that we can contribute to supplying clean and safe energy in the regions with KenGen.” said Toshiba ESS Business Development Executive, Toyoaki Fujita.
There is an ongoing survey to identify geothermal resources in the Great Rift Valley, a tectonic plate boundary running from north to south with immense geothermal potential. Both companies are delighted to cooperate in this opportunity, and plan further business expansion.
About KenGen
Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC – KenGen is the leading electricity generation company in Eastern Africa region with an installed generation capacity market share of more than 60%. The company’s primary business is to provide safe, reliable, and competitively priced electric energy for the country in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner while creating value for its stakeholders.
Today, KenGen PLC has an installed generation capacity of 1,904MW, of which over 86% is drawn from renewable sources namely: Hydro (826MW), Geothermal (799MW), Thermal (253MW), and Wind (26MW).
About Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation
Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation is a leading supplier of integrated energy solutions. With its long experience and expertise in a wide range of power generating and transmitting systems and energy management technology, the company delivers innovative, reliable, and efficient energy solutions across the globe. Split off from Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) in October 2017.
