Kenya has committed to going big on geothermal energy.
ESI Africa reports that the government-owned Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has plans worth KES102.2 billion to develop six new steam fields and to drill another 57 wells before 2027.
And that’s a wrap! Thank you to all who joined us for the launch of GDC’s strategic plan. Together, we’re embarking on a journey towards a greener, more sustainable future through the development of geothermal energy. #GDCStrategicPlanLaunch pic.twitter.com/bQwcPAIrrD
— Geothermal Development Company (@GDCKenya) April 9, 2024
The GDC aims to add at least 218 MW of geothermal energy to the grid by 2027, as outlined in its latest Strategic Plan 2023–2024.
Kenya is Africa’s biggest geothermal producer with almost 900 MW installed by 2023, about 47% of Kenya’s total energy supply, although only 365 MW is connected to the grid. The country’s location in the Great Rift Valley means it has vast potential for geothermal energy, estimated at about 10GW.
“We take cognisance of the invaluable nature of geothermal energy. It is indigenous, abundant, and clean,” Geothermal Development Company CEO Paul Ngugi said at the launch of the strategic plan.
The new steam fields will be developed at Paka, Silali, Korosi-Chepchuk, Suswa, Menengai Caldera and Menengai West, while the GDC is also rehabilitating the country’s oldest geothermal power plant, Olkaria 1, to increase output from 45 MW to 63 MW.
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