GDC participated in the recently concluded Nakuru International Investment Conference (NIICO) held in Naivasha on 29th November to the 1st December 2018. Key issues discussed at the conference include the place of geothermal energy as a natural source of reliable power and its importance to the national economy. Panelists discussed the need to tap geothermal in order to enhance Kenya’s economic growth.
Also discussed was the envisioned GDC Menengai industrial park which will promote and market geothermal uses. The steam will be used to generate electricity, while the water separated from the steam will be used for direct uses of geothermal for industrial applications and agricultural uses. GDC’s Direct Use Manager, Engineer Martha Mburu made a presentation on the direct use of geothermal as it is currently being used at the Menengai Direct Use Demonstration Project.
It is envisaged that GDC will avail steam for the generation of low cost electricity. Investors will build the park; Nakuru County will provide land and build access roads, while the local community shall provide labour thus creating employment opportunities. GDC will collect revenue, while the investors will get reliable energy at a low cost and the County and National governments will obtain revenue from the park.
Neil Hellings, Oserian Development Company Ltd Managing Director who made a presentation at the conference inform,ed the delegates that his company uses geothermal energy for electricity, heating and humidity control of greenhouses. Oserian Ltd is one of Kenya’s largest flower exporters. Geothermal heating has allowed the company to grow variety of roses that would not be economically feasible without 24 hour heating,” said Mr. Hellings.
