The drive of Kenya toward a clean energy future has attained a major boost this week as the state-owned Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) made an announcement of the arrival of critical equipment for Olkaria I Geothermal Power Plant Rehabilitation Project. This upcoming plant is KenGen’s newest geothermal power plant at the Olkaria geothermal complex.
The planned Olkaria I project is located in the geologically active Rift Valley region. The plant is expected to adda total of 63MW of renewable energy to the national grid upon completion. This upcoming project further reinstates the reputation of Kenya as a global leader in geothermal energy production.
63MW Olkaria I Geothermal Power Plant Rehabilitation Project Factsheet
Location: Olkaria, Nakuru County, Kenya
Owner and operator: Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)
Olkaria I Units 1, 2, and 3 rehabilitation project:
- Original capacity: 15 MW per unit. This adds up to 45 MW
- Upgraded capacity: The rehabilitation aims to increase their combined capacity from 45 MW to 63 MW. This entails 21 MW per unit.
Expected completion: June 2026
Also read: KenGen Issues Multi Billion Olkaria I Rehabilitation Contract
Equipment Delivery to the Project’s Site
KenGen mentioned in a statement revealing that two steam turbines and two generators destined for Units 2 and 3 of the Olkaria I facility have been successfully delivered to the project’s site. These equipment were shipped from Japan earlier this year. The equipment arrived in Kenya through the Port of Mombasa. Also, they were later transported to Olkaria in time to meet key construction milestones.
KenGen said the final set of turbine and generator units destined for Unit 1 was dispatched in late May and already in transit. KenGen expects the equipment to arrive at Mombasa and later transported to the Olkaria site by the end of the month. Other major plant components have already been delivered. Several components have been installed as work on the facility moves into its final stages.
Furthermore, speaking at the sidelines of the Africa Energy Forum that was held in Cape Town, South Africa, the Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga of KenGen said: “The timely arrival and installation of these critical equipment mark a significant milestone in our mission to deliver affordable, reliable, and green energy to the people of Kenya.”
Also read: KenGen Set to Add 42.5MW Seven Forks Solar Power Plant on Kenya’s Seven Forks Dams
Significance of the Project
When the project will be commissioned, the Olkaria I will improve electricity reliability getting Kenya closer to its 100% clean energy target by 2030. Additionally, Kenya seeks to phase out use of fossil fuels for energy generation.
The addition of the 63MWvto the national grid will bring the installed capacity of Olkaria I to new heights. Kenya maintains over seven decades legacy of homegrown innovation and investment in clean energy. Lastly, this project is expected to bring Kenya close to joining the elite 1GW club of largest geothermal producers in the world.
Also read: KenGen Seeks Consultants for 42.5MW Embu Solar Project
