KenGen set to invest USD 248 million for Olkaria VII geothermal power plant, Kenya

Geothermal well, Olkaria/ Kenya (source: Scientific Drilling International)

Regulatory filings have indicated that state-owned utility KenGen is planning to build the Olkaria VII geothermal power plant which will cost an estimated Ksh 32 billion (approx. 248 million). The planned power plant will have an installed capacity of 80.3 MWe.

KenGen has so far submitted an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the proposed project to Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The developer had considered seven potential locations in Olkaria for the new power plant before deciding on a spot close to the southern boundary of the Hell’s Gate National Park. The company has allocated 19 production wells to supply steam to the future power plant.

KenGen had previously initiated a call for proposals for a feasibility study of the Olkaria VII power plant back in 2022.

There are also other efforts being done simultaneously to increase in the installed geothermal power generation capacity of the Olkaria field. This includes the rehabilitation and uprating of the Olkaria I power plant and studies on power generation from waste heat in geothermal brine.

Source: Business Daily Africa