This archive report was first published on 22 August 2021.
KenGen, the leading geothermal energy producer in Africa, has made a major breakthrough in its drilling project in Ethiopia. The company has successfully drilled to a depth of 450 meters, marking a significant milestone in the project.
According to Rebecca Miano, Managing Director and CEO of KenGen, the first 450 meters of drilling is the most challenging phase of the entire process, which can reach depths of up to 3,000 meters. The team of KenGen engineers has overcome unforeseen delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to achieve this feat.
KenGen won the joint contract with Shandong Kerui Petroleum Equipment Company and Shandong Kerui Oilfield Service Group in February 2019 to offer geothermal drilling services in Ethiopia. The project is being managed between the two consortium members under the contract.
On August 18, the drilling of the second geothermal well under the Aluto-Langano project started, with a depth of 36 meters. This project is part of KenGen's diversification strategy, which has led to the company's expansion in the Horn of Africa.
KenGen has also secured a Ksh.709 million project to offer commercial drilling services in Djibouti and is prospecting for similar businesses in Rwanda. The company is Africa's largest geothermal energy producer and among the top 10 in the world, with an estimated potential of 10,000MW along the Rift Valley.
