Kenya’s geothermal energy developer, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), has tasked to carry out geoscientific studies to find out if the Akiira geothermal project is viable. KenGen’s new contract involves collecting additional data for the project developer.
The company plans to provide the first results of its field research by March 2020. The geothermal project is being developed in the Olkaria region of western Kenya.
The aim of the project is to produce 140 MW by exploiting the heat from the subsoil of the rift valley. The project will be carried out in several phases; Phase-I will involve construction of 70 MW steam power plant. On the ground, preliminary explorations for the phase have not been successful, despite the two geothermal wells having been drilled.
The delay in this renewable energy project is also due to protests from locals demanding compensation before they vacate their land.
The Akiira geothermal project will require an investment of more than USD 356 million. Akiira Geothermal is owned by a consortium consisting of Centum Investments Company, Marine Power Generation Company, DI Frontier Market Energy & Carbon Fund and RAM Energy.