| Title | Country Update Report for Kenya 2010–2015 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Peter OMENDA, Silas SIMIYU |
| Year | 2015 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Kenya, geothermal status, country update |
| Abstract | Geothermal resources in Kenya have been under development since 1950’s and the current installed capacity stands at 573 MWe against total potential of about 10,000 MWe. All the high temperature prospects are located within the Kenya rift valley where they are closely associated with Quaternary volcanoes. Olkaria geothermal field is so far the largest producing site with current installed capacity of 573 MWe from five power plants owned by Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) (463 MWe) and Orpower4 (110 MWe). 10 MWt is being utilized to heat greenhouses and fumigate soils at the Oserian flower farm. The Oserian flower farm also has 4 MWe installed for own use. Power generation at the Eburru geothermal field stands at 2.5 MWe from a pilot plant. Development of geothermal resources in Kenya is currently being fast tracked with 280 MWe commissioned in September and October 2014. Production drilling for the additional 560 MWe power plants to be developed under PPP arrangement between KenGen and private sector is ongoing. The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is currently undertaking production drilling at the Menengai geothermal field for 105 MWe power developments to be commissioned in 2015. Detailed exploration has been undertaken in Suswa, Longonot, Baringo, Korosi, Paka and Silali geothermal prospects and exploration drilling is expected to commence in year 2015 in Baringo – Silali geothermal area. |