The sprawling landscape of Paka Hills in Baringo is dotted with the towering structures of drilling rigs, their constant activity a testament to the non-stop search for geothermal energy sources. The rigs tirelessly operate around the clock, delving deep into depths of 2km to 3km tapping into a valuable resource that has made Kenya a noteworthy player in sustainable renewable energy production.
“Kenya has a stated goal of achieving 100% of renewable energy power generation by 2030, to be complemented by a diverse technology mix… Geothermal generation specifically is expected to be prioritized over the next decade,” noted Kenya’s President, HE William Ruto, when he opened the 25th Africa Energy Forum last year June at KICC in Nairobi.
As of December 2023, the global geothermal power generation capacity stood at 16,355 MW with Kenya contributing 985 MW putting it 6th globally and cementing its 1st position in Africa. Geothermal Development Company (GDC), a government-owned entity in Kenya’s energy sector, has slowly emerged as a pivotal player in the nation’s geothermal development since its formation in 2008.
Kenya’s geothermal potential is estimated to be at a staggering 10000 MW of untapped energy waiting to be harnessed. This valuable resource can be found along the East Africa Rift System, where several fields are either already generating geothermal power or in various phases of development.
Tasked with accelerating the utilization of geothermal resources, GDC has left an indelible mark on the landscape through significant projects and initiatives. With the recent addition of 35MW by Sosian Energy to the national grid, the Menengai Geothermal Project, initiated in 2009, stands as a testament to GDC’s foresight and commitment to sustainable energy. With an estimated potential of 1600MW. To date, GDC has successfully drilled 53 wells and harnessed a remarkable 169MW from this project alone. With their ongoing efforts, it’s clear that GDC truly understands the value and significance of tapping into Kenya’s astonishing geothermal resources.
The second Independent Power Producer, UK-based renewable power company Globeleq, reached financial closure for its $117 million (Sh18.34 billion) geothermal plant in Menengai, paving way for the start of the construction in 2024. Completion of Globeleq’s power plant is expected to greatly increase the use of geothermal power on the national grid and drive the transition towards a 100% clean electricity mix.
The launch of the ‘Africa Green Industrialization Initiative’ by Kenya’s President, HE William Ruto, at the recently concluded COP 28 in the UAE marked a significant milestone in the drive to accelerate Africa’s green initiative with geothermal energy central to this dream. The Kenyan government secured a $4.48 billion deal for Green Development projects with $800 million dedicated to constructing a 200MW Paka Geothermal field by GDC and AMEA Power.
In its ongoing efforts, GDC is conducting exploration and appraisal drilling in the Paka and Korosi Prospects of the Baringo-Silali Geothermal Project, demonstrating its dedication to expanding the geothermal frontier. With 16 successful wells in the Paka field and continued exploration in Korosi, GDC is well-positioned to tap into even more geothermal potential, further solidifying its pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s energy landscape.
GDC’s foray into direct-use projects within the Menengai Geothermal Project showcases its versatility. These pilot projects include milk pasteurization, aquaculture ponds, greenhouses, laundry services, and grain drying. In a move towards collaborative energy solutions, GDC signed a geothermal steam supplies agreement with Karsan Ramji and Sons LTD at Menengai in December 2023. This partnership aims to utilize steam for power generation and brine for drying components of cement.
“We are taking a departure from the conventional power generation into an exciting and promising realm of captive power and thermal heat. And this is critical. It means, we are, in essence, expanding the geothermal pie and making it accessible and profitable,” reiterated GDC MD & CEO, Mr Paul Ngugi during the signing of the geothermal steam supplies agreement.
GDC’s commitment to capacity building is exemplified through its Geothermal Centre of Excellence. By offering diverse courses and collaborating with organizations like United Nations University (UNU) and KenGen for the GRO GTP Geothermal Training Program, GDC is actively shaping the next generation of geothermal experts in Africa. This commitment to sharing knowledge ensures the long-term success of geothermal initiatives beyond GDC’s current projects.
The company has undoubtedly become a driving force in Kenya’s geothermal landscape. From successful well drilling and electricity generation to diverse direct-use projects and capacity-building initiatives, GDC’s multifaceted approach exemplifies its commitment to sustainable development. As GDC continues to explore new prospects and forge partnerships, its continual impact on Kenya’s geothermal sector is poised to endure, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
