Kenya Getting Steamed By New Geothermal Plant

For some time now the African Development Bank (AfDB) has helped play a major role in continent-wide development and growth. One of the most significant developments has come at the Kenya Geothermal Development Company (GDC). With the AfDB offering to continue to support its long-term development with $120 million of funding. This is a major step towards helping Kenya to continue its nationwide development, and could be a significant step into further green development.

The Menengai Geothermal Project was recently reviewed by the AfDB. Undertaking the review was the Executive Director for the Eastern African region, Dr. Calleb Nyamajeje. Congratulating the GDC for its work in producing a renewable energy source in the nation, as well as reducing energy costs, it was seen as a worth well worth continuing on with.

Indeed, the GDC was also lauded for creating a model that helps to bring the Independent Power Producers in Kenya closer towards geothermal development. Speaking at the Nakuru County bae for the GDC, Nyamajeje said that: “I am happy that IPPs are now ready to put up power plants. That is a major milestone for GDC and AfDB.”

At the moment, the GDC is presently drilling for steam power in the Menengai region. With the cheapest tariff of $0.077/kWh, too this is a major step forward for the nation as it looks to continue its development and growth culturally and economically.

Also, there has been major progress on the three IPP geothermal power plants. Each plant will work with a combined power generation capacity. At the moment, despite some delays, the conditions have been confirmed as favorable for development.

Thanks to the help of the Kenya Forest Service the GDC has cleared a major obstacle for development: land utilization. This debate has ended in agreement across each contributing party.

Another significant landmark that has come from this is the positive assessments carried out by third parties. In a bid to ensure and confirm that the steam would last for as long as possible, the GDC turned to West Jec of Japan. The assessment firm concluded that the effect of the steam could last for as long as 25-years, fitting in with previous expectations.

This is supported by the reports, making sure that as many as 105MW in geothermal power can be produced. There’s also capacity for as much as 20% more, meaning that this project certainly has a very positive future ahead of it.

At the moment, the Menengai Geothermal Project has been invested with an extra $120m in funding. This should help to make sure that the project has the finance necessary to continue, and that there can be a clear plan of action put in place to meet the set goals.

As another move forward for Kenyan renewable energy and green policy, this is a significant step towards sustainable energy development. With the funding now secure, the project can continue in earnest. Alongside other geothermal developments in Africa, this could be a turning point for a very important part of environmental development and care.