Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has awarded two companies a multibillion contract to rehabilitate the country’s oldest geothermal power plant-Olkaria I.
The planned revitalization of the power plant is aimed at increasing its output from 45MW to 63MW to accelerate the country’s transition to green energy, KenGen said in a statement.
In the tender, SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Company Limited will do the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) whereas Toshiba Energy Systems and Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS) will supply steam turbines and generators for the three units of the power plant.
The strategic initiative, according to the company is poised to elevate the power plant’s operational efficiency and increase electricity generation output by up to 40 per cent compared to existing conventional models whose first unit was commissioned in 1981 and has since been decommissioned.
“The renovation represents a historic milestone for KenGen as we continue our commitment to sustainable energy solutions,” KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO Peter Njenga said.
Njenga noted that by leveraging the latest advancements in geothermal technology they aim to not only enhance the performance of the plant but also set new standards for renewable energy production in Kenya.
The modernization project, scheduled for completion by December 2026, is designed to align with Kenya’s broader energy objectives and the Vision 2030 initiative, which envisions a transition to 100 per cent green energy by the end of the decade.
“As the oldest geothermal power plant in Africa, Olkaria I holds significant historical importance and stands as a testament to Kenya’s pioneering efforts in renewable energy production and therefore the excitement for us to have this power plant back on the grid,” Njenga added.
The plant was closed in May last year.
Redevelopment plans were announced at the end of 2022.
The CEO also expressed confidence in the project citing resource availability and the company’s highly skilled expertise.
He said: “Having operated for more than 40 years, this confirms the sustainability of geothermal coupled with the skills set and human resource capabilities that KenGen has developed over the years, we are confident the project will be completed on time and within budget.”
Through this comprehensive renovation, KenGen aims to not only extend the operational lifespan of Olkaria I but also establish a model for sustainable energy development that can be replicated across the region as Kenya angles to exploit the 10,000MW of geothermal potential in the Rift Valley region of Kenya.
By prioritising innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, KenGen is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for Kenya’s energy landscape.
