The Olkaria 1 AU 6 geothermal power plant in Kenya has entered final construction phase. Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) Managing Director and CEO, Rebecca Miano confirmed the report and said they have started installing a Steam Turbine into the plant.
“This is the largest single unit of turbine we will be installing in any of our power plants with a capacity of 83.3MW and with its installation we are now entering the final phase of construction of the power plant,” said Miano.
Fuji Electric, the turbine manufacturer has deployed Technical Adviser who will oversee the whole installation process and ensure success. Miano revealed that this was the first time a Fuji Turbine was being installed not only in Kenya but in Africa.
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Big Four Agenda
The technical adviser will be assisted by a team of Engineers from both Fuji Electric and KenGen. The turbine installation and its auxiliaries will take approximately three months including dynamic balancing.
The installation of turbines will run along with other major installations such as Generator Step Up Transformer (GSUT), Auxiliary transformers, MV and LV Switchgears, Non Condensable Gas extraction system, Cooling water system, Air Compressor system, Heating and Ventilation system and Emergency Diesel Generator.
“With these activities running concurrently, it will ensure that the power plant’s commissioning is achieved in the last quarter of the year 2021,” said Miano.
Construction of Olkaria 1 AU 6 geothermal power plant started in 2018 with a ground breaking ceremony, graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The project is aligned with KenGen’s long term strategy and the Least Cost Power Development Plan (LCPDP) focused on sustainable supply of renewable energy in support of the Government Big Four Agenda. Upon completion, the power plant will generate 83.3MW of electricity which will be injected into the national grid.
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