Kenya plans to generate 2,000 MW from geothermal source over the next 6 years. This capacity will be installed on the Baringo Silai block in the north with the support of German bank KfW. By achieving this, Kenya would become Africa’s top geothermal energy producer.

It has been estimated that the block concerned holds a capacity of 3,000 MW. It will be exploited in two stages, the first allowing for the installation of currently targeted 2,000 MW. KfW has already granted Kenya $89.9 million in loans to, among other things, drill between 15 to 20 exploration wells. Drilling which will be carried out by Hong Kong Off-Shire Oil Services Ltd (HOOSL) should start during this month.

Kenya, with an installed capacity of 2,100 MW (544 MW produced by geothermal power plants), has an estimated geothermal potential of 10,000 MW. It presently produces its geothermal energy on the Olkaria and Menengai blocks, however, exploration drilling are ongoing on ten other sites.

The nation aims to increase its output to 5,000 MW by 2030, 70% of which from renewable sources. In the long run, this share should reach 90% of its energy mix and reduce cost of energy. “The injection of the additional 320 MW of green energy into Kenya’s power mix has reduced the cost of power by 22-35 percent for domestic and industrial consumers respectively,” said the head of Geothermal Development Corporation, David Ole Nchoe.

 Gwladys Johnson