In her quest to pursue more renewable energy, Kenya has injected an additional 79 megawatts of geothermal power to the national grid.
This follows the completion of Unit 1 of Olkaria V Geothermal Power Plant by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) PLC.
The Unit was first synchronized to the grid on the June 28 and thereafter subjected to commissioning tests. It was then taken through a series of load tests until it attained its full design output of 82.7MW.
Commenting on the milestone, KenGen Managing Director & CEO, Mrs. Rebecca Miano, said the additional capacity would play a significant role in supporting Kenya’s power needs while enhancing the amount of green energy in the national grid.
“We are delighted to announce the completion of the first unit of Olkaria V Geothermal Power Plant and subsequently injecting 79 MW to the national grid. This brings to 612MW the total amount of installed geothermal power capacity by KenGen and will be significant in ensuring that our country’s power needs are met through the continuous use of green energy solutions,” she said.
She added: “Consistent with our long-term plan, we are continuously working on increasing our renewable energy to provide affordable energy to Kenyans while safeguarding the environment. This, in turn, will lead to the provision of stable energy to power households and industries across the country.”
Currently in its last stages of development, Olkaria V Geothermal Power Plant is expected to inject a total of158 MW to the grid once Unit 2 is synchronized to the grid at the end of August.
READ:Kenya moves fast on 165.4MW Olkaria V geothermal plant
This will further enhance KenGen’s position as the leading electricity generating company in East Africa and greatly support the country’s Big Four Agenda and the Vision 2030 development blueprint.
The development of Olkaria 1 additional Unit 6 is also under way.
KenGen has over the years developed a rich energy mix comprising hydro (819.9MW), geothermal (612 MW), thermal (253.5MW) and wind (25.5MW) with the focus being on renewable energy sources.
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About 80 percent of Kenya’s installed capacity is from renewable sources; which is more than three times the global average.
Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), KenGen is the leading electricity generation company in Eastern Africa with an installed market share of about 60 per cent.
The company’s primary business is to provide affordable and dependable electric energy for the country in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner while creating value for its stakeholders.
