KenGen initiates geothermal drilling in Tanzania's Mbeya district
Kenya's Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is leading the charge in expanding renewable energy across East Africa, with a focus on geothermal and hydropower projects. The company is actively expanding its geothermal projects primarily in Kenya, while also pursuing exploration and development in Tanzania and Zambia.
In Kenya, the Olkaria VII geothermal power plant is set to expand through 19 production wells, incorporating reinjection technology to reduce environmental impact. The rehabilitation of the Olkaria I plant is expected to finish by June 2026, highlighting the company's ongoing development efforts. KenGen aims to deliver an additional 1,500 MW of renewable energy over the next decade, with a focus on geothermal and hydropower, to meet rising electricity demand and enhance grid stability.
Outside Kenya, KenGen has secured geothermal exploration rights in Tanzania and Zambia and is involved in partnerships, such as with Canada, for developing the Meru geothermal prospect in Tanzania. Tanzania looks to develop over 200 MW of geothermal capacity, indicating regional geothermal growth spurred by KenGen’s activity. There is no current specific detailed update publicly available about KenGen projects in Ethiopia, Eswatini, or Djibouti.
KenGen’s geothermal initiatives play a critical role in the transition to clean energy by expanding reliable, renewable power supply in East Africa. Their projects reduce reliance on fossil fuels, help stabilize electricity grids, and support government energy strategies aimed at long-term sustainability and increased electricity access. The focus on reinjection technology and extensive plant rehabilitation also demonstrates commitment to environmental sustainability in geothermal development.
The Olkaria geothermal power plant project, currently in its final phase of revamp, is not explicitly connected to the ongoing drilling operations in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eswatini. However, KenGen has successfully supported Ethiopia and Djibouti in their transition to clean energy. Tanzania and Eswatini, with high geothermal energy potential, are now among the countries benefiting from KenGen’s expertise, joining Zambia.
Isaac Maina, the Design and Construction Manager for the Olkaria geothermal power plant project, oversees the on-site team of over thirty workers, including senior engineers, in the Mbeya region. The delivery of all three turbine generator units at the Olkaria I power plant was completed within the original project timeline, despite logistical challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Once operational, the Olkaria I power plant will contribute an additional 63 megawatts to the national grid.
This initiative aligns with the commitments established in the Paris Climate Agreement (2015), reflecting KenGen's strategy to significantly expand renewable geothermal capacity regionally, underpinning clean energy ambitions and supporting expanding electricity demand in East Africa. The Olkaria geothermal power plant project, however, does not appear to be explicitly mentioned as benefiting from KenGen's technological expertise and decades of experience in transitioning countries to clean energy sources.
In conclusion, KenGen's geothermal projects are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future in East Africa. The company's focus on geothermal energy, coupled with its commitment to environmental sustainability and technological expertise, positions it as a key player in the region's transition to clean energy. The ongoing projects in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, along with potential initiatives in Ethiopia, Eswatini, and Djibouti, underscore KenGen's dedication to delivering reliable, renewable energy to meet the growing electricity demand in East Africa.
- With the expansion of the Olkaria VII geothermal power plant and the rehabilitation of Olkaria I plant, KenGen's focus on environmental sustainability is clear, as seen in their use of reinjection technology and plant rehabilitation efforts.
- KenGen's geothermal projects in East Africa not only increase renewable energy capacity but also help alleviate dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to the global clean energy agenda established in the Paris Climate Agreement (2015).
- KenGen is leveraging its geothermal expertise to partner with countries like Tanzania and Zambia, aiming to develop over 200 MW of geothermal capacity in Tanzania, driving regional geothermal growth.
- KenGen's geothermal initiatives extend beyond Kenya, as they aim to deliver an additional 1,500 MW of renewable energy over the next decade, with potential projects in Ethiopia, Eswatini, and Djibouti, further expanding their influence in the renewable energy industry.
