Kenya to add 350 MW of geothermal capacity at Olkaria

The Kenya Electricity Generation Company (KenGen) said it has struck additional geothermal steam capable of supporting 375 MW of power generation capacity.

CEO Albert Mugo said KenGen is planning to put up new plants in Olkaria that will bring 350 MW of geothermal power capacity for the national grid. The three projects include the 140-MW Olkaria V, an additional 70-MW unit to the Olkaria I, and the Olkaria VI plant, which the company plans to develop in the next two-four years.

Olkaria V, KenGen’s next project, is set to kick off before the end of the year.

Mugo said KenGen wants to add at least 3,000 MW to the national grid by 2018, mostly from renewables such as geothermal and wind. Geothermal sources currently account for one-third of the national installed capacity, estimated at 2,150 MW, but provide more than half of the total output due to the high energy yield and stability against weather variations.

“Geothermal is poised to be the future dominant source of electricity,” Mugo said, adding that KenGen has exceeded required steam levels, which enhances guarantees towards financing for the projects.

KenGen has drilled 137 wells since 2007, way above the target of 100 wells. Eight rigs are in operation at the Olkaria steam fields.

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