Olkaria Geothermal Power Station. Photo | courtesy.
Kenya’s transition to a clean energy future has gained momentum following the delivery of key equipment for the ongoing expansion of the Olkaria I geothermal power plant by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen).
The state-owned power producer announced that two steam turbines and two generators destined for Units 2 and 3 of the new facility have arrived at the Olkaria geothermal complex in the Rift Valley.
The components were shipped from Japan and landed at the Port of Mombasa before being transported to the project site, where construction is already in advanced stages.
KenGen further revealed that the final batch of equipment the turbine and generator for Unit 1 was dispatched in late May and is expected to arrive at Olkaria before the end of June.
“The timely arrival and installation of these critical components mark an important step in our mission to deliver affordable, reliable, and green energy to the people of Kenya,” said KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga while speaking on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, South Africa.
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The 63MW project is expected to significantly bolster Kenya’s renewable energy capacity once completed, reinforcing its status as Africa’s leading geothermal power producer.
With construction now 70 percent complete, KenGen is confident that the first turbine will be commissioned by June 2026.
“We have a large team of 928 people including elite project engineers, technicians, foremen, artisans, and general workers, led by the General Manager, Business Development & Strategy, Elizabeth Njenga and the Design and Construction Manager, Eng. Isaack Maina working day and night to deliver the project ahead of time and on budget,” Eng. Njenga noted.
He added: “This project is a major boost to our solid reputation built over the years in provision of renewable energy solutions and demonstrates the significant role geothermal power continues to play in securing Africa’s energy future.”
The expanded Olkaria I plant is part of Kenya’s wider strategy to achieve 100 per cent clean energy by 2030 under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes infrastructure and green energy to drive job creation and industrial growth.
“We are conscious about our carbon footprint and that is why we are deliberate about our focus on green energy projects which are not only climate-sensitive but are also sustainable, thereby preserving our planet for future generations while supporting economic development,” said Eng. Njenga.
Olkaria, located in the geologically active Rift Valley, is the centerpiece of Kenya’s geothermal program. The addition of 63MW will significantly boost the Olkaria I installed capacity and help position Kenya among the elite 1GW club of geothermal power producers globally.
Kenya currently leads the continent in geothermal energy generation.
