KenGen to invest on more geothermal amidst underperforming hydropower

Drilling rig by KenGen (source: KenGen)

KenGen has announced a revamped plan to generate more electricity from geothermal power plants in the face of low water inflows being experienced at their large hydropower stations.

The Masinga Dam, Kenya’s largest hydropower dam, recorded a water level of 1039.42 mASL as of 6 November 2023. This is only slightly above the minimum operating level of 1037 mASL, having received only 7.5 millimeters  of rain in the last 24 hours.

KenGen boasts a diverse energy portfolio including, geothermal, hydro, wind, and thermal, adding up to 1,904MW of which 86% is drawn from renewable sources.

According to a daily electricity dispatch report by KenGen, the large hydroelectric power stations in the country were only able to achieve 471MW at their peak over the past 24 hours, despite having a maximum capacity of 626 MW.

“Despite the ongoing rains in most parts of the country, we are receiving very low inflows at our dams at the Seven Forks, located along the Tana River,” said KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga. “This poor hydrology means that we now have to turn to another source to meet the growing demand for electricity in the country.”

“One of the large power stations, Masinga, has been shut down most days of November as part of our ongoing water management program to ensure we are able to meet the energy demands for the longest duration possible,” added Njenga.

KenGen made the shift to its current geothermal-led strategy following repeated failure of hydro generation over the years. This poor hydrology is attributed to climate change, characterized by unpredictable rainfall patterns, making it difficult to plan and implement a sustainable water management program in the large dams. This has helped stabilize electricity supply to Kenyans, despite the significant drop in rainfall levels over the past few years.

Njega further stated that KenGen aims to acquire more geothermal drilling licenses in the Great Rift Valley to further increase the company’s geothermal power generation capacity. The company has already undertaken expansion efforts of its existing geothermal power facilities in Olkaria.

Source: KenGen