Geothermal energy continues to dominate electricity production

The CS for Energy David Chirchir at one of the geothermal wells in Pakka Hills in Baringo County where Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is undertaking various electricity projects. The company is projecting an extra 100mw from the region by 2026. [Photo,Antony Gitonga] As parts of the country including hydro-power stations continue to record harsh weather conditions leading to a drop in water levels, geothermal power has once again come to the rescue. According to the Daily System Operation and Dispatch Analysis Report, last week, geothermal power plants contributed the highest in the generation mix. Data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulation Authority (EPRA) indicate that geothermal energy accounted for 23 percent of total energy produced despite the dry spell. Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) indicated that KenGen's geothermal plants delivered 13,034.52 MWh as of last week. This, according to the authority, represented the highest single contribution to the national grid at 32% as geothermal generation remained dependable and steady. The report that was published in Kengen's weekly newsletter further noted that hydropower stations rose to the occasion, generating 10,611.23 MWh surpassing their projected 9,818.14 MWh. The output came largely from strategic facilities such as Kiambere, Gitaru, and Kamburu, which exceeded both internal and NCC projections. "The Seven Forks was expertly managed to stabilize frequency, maintain operational reserves, and support peak evening demand, a role traditionally assigned to the thermals," reads the report in part. The report further noted that the combination of geothermal and hydro amounted to over 23,645 MWh, translating to 57 percent of the total energy supplied to the national grid. "This level of dominance by a single utility not only highlights KenGen's robust generation capacity but also underscores its critical role in enabling Kenya's transition to sustainable, homegrown energy sources," said the report. Speaking earlier, Kengen MD Engineer Peter Njenga, rehabilitation works on the oldest power station were at 50 percent, with projections that this could be completed by early 2026. He noted that by the time the power plant was shut down, it was producing 45mw but with the introduction of new generators, this would rise to 63 MW. "The rehabilitation of the old Olkaria 1 power plant is 50 percent complete, and it aims to add an extra 18MW to our national grid from the current 45MW to 63MW by 2026", said Njenga. In addition, Njenga said that KenGen was seeking funding from investors to actualize its 10-year strategic plan, which aims to increase green energy power generation by 1,500MW. Njenga said that the country's power demand was on the rise as more companies opened up or expanded their businesses, thus requiring extra electricity. "This exercise requires USD4.3B, and of the total power produced, 800MW will come from geothermal and we are working with donors and development partners to meet this," he said.

Geothermal energy continues to dominate electricity production

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