(Ecofin Agency) - The African Union commission has provided for the Turkana geothermal plant, 101.5 million Kenyan Shillings (more than $980,000).

The grant was received by Olsuswa Energy, the firm in charge of the plant’s construction, and will be used to carry out technical studies as well as upgrade the infrastructure which is located in the Turkana County.

The project’s development will take place in two stages which will lead to installation of 140MW of capacity. The first will last between five and eight years, allowing to add 70MW to the national grid.

Actually, drilling works were to end this year, but it is very unlikely that this deadline will be met. Moreover, license-related issues are still being fixed with the government.

Gwladys Johnson