Kengen embarks on 140MW geothermal project

KenGen has embarked on an ambitious 140Megawatt power plant construction at Ol Karia by inviting views from Kenyans on the proposed project.

KenGen, which has overseen construction and rollout of 280Megawatts production at Ol Karia in Nakuru County, said it planned to launch construction of a power plant and associated infrastructure.

In a public notice Thursday, KenGen applied for clearance to commence construction to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) inviting comments from members of the public before works on the proposed power plant commence.

KenGen drilled Africa’s first geothermal well in June 1981 with two more phases developed in 1982 and 1985 raising power production to 45Megawatts.

As Kenya’s power demand rose, the government entered into a 20 year Build, Own and Transfer deal with an US based Israeli company Ormat technologies that currently produces 110Megawatts transmitted to the national grid via 220 KV double circuit line thereby seeing 2.3million consumers enjoy cheap affordable power.

KenGen said Thursday it would conduct tree planting around the project area with frequent watering within the site to reduce dust emissions. Safety precautionary measures have also been taken into consideration with all workers provided with protective gear.

On displacement of curio dealers, KenGen said it would liaise with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to have a sale facility established where traders will display their wares for sale to local and foreign tourists visiting Hells’ Gate National Park.

“Native species such as Tarconunthus and A. drepanolobium will be done as soon as practicable to avoid colonisation by invasive and opportunistic pioneer species. No exotic plants will be planted and local communities will be sensitised on the importance of vegetation cover where no charcoal burning will be entertained,” the notice stated.

Kenya has embarked on exploitation of other geothermal sources as it is more sustainable, cheap and locally available as compared to hydropower sources that are dictated upon by availability of water.

Menengai Geothermal Power plant is also under development where it has since seen 100Megawatts generated that will soon be supplied to the general electricity grid in the first phase.

Phase I of Menengai targets production of 400 Megawatts on completion in 2017.