Geothermal exploration and utilization in Kenya

Abstract

Geothermal resources in Kenya have been under development since 1950’s and the current installed capacity stands at 676.8 MWe against total potential of about 10,000 MWe. All the high temperature prospects are located within the Kenya rift valley where they are closely associated with Quaternary volcanoes. Olkaria geothermal field is so far the largest producing site with current installed capacity of 674.4 MWe from five power plants owned by Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) (533.5MWe) and Orpower4 (139 MWe). 12 MWt is being utilized to heat greenhouses and fumigate soils at the Oserian flower farm and the Olkaria Geothermal Spa. The Oserian flower farm also has 4.3 MWe installed for own use. Power generation at the Eburru geothermal field stands at 2.4 MWe from a pilot plant. Development of geothermal resources in Kenya has been fastracked with 335 MWe commissioned in 2014-2016. Production drilling for the additional 560 MWe power plants to be developed under PPP arrangement between KenGen and private sector is ongoing. The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is currently undertaking production drilling at the Menengai geothermal field for 105 MWe power developments to be commissioned in 2015. Detailed exploration has been undertaken in Suswa, Longonot, Baringo, Korosi, Paka and Silali geothermal prospects and exploration drilling is expected to commence in year 2015 in Baringo – Silali geothermal area.