This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
Kenya's geothermal energy sector has been a beacon of hope for the country's energy needs, and KenGen, the leading player in this field, is at the forefront of this growth. As the CEO, Rebecca Miano, recently spoke with John Njiraini, she highlighted the company's commitment to expanding its geothermal energy production.
With several projects in various stages of implementation, KenGen is targeting an additional 720MW to the national grid in the medium term. One of the key projects is the development of Olkaria 1 Unit 6 geothermal power plant, which began in December 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2021.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, KenGen remains committed to its expansion plans. According to Miano, the company will continue to implement its projects, but the pace of implementation will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the evolving situation.
KenGen's focus on geothermal energy is also driven by the government's plans to phase out thermal power. As the Economic Survey Report (2020) by the Kenya Bureau of National Statistics highlights, thermal power generation declined by 15.0% in 2019, while geothermal energy production increased by 25% to 828.4 MW. With geothermal energy being KenGen's top earner, the company is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend.
Kenya's position as the seventh-largest geothermal energy producer in the world is a testament to the country's expertise in this field. With an estimated 10,000MW of geothermal energy potential, the future looks bright for KenGen and the country's energy sector.
As KenGen looks to expand its footprint across Africa, it is targeting several countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Djibouti, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia, and the Comoros. With its expertise in geothermal drilling and consultancy services, KenGen is well-positioned to play a key role in the development of Africa's energy sector.
