168 MW Olkaria V geothermal project in Kenya on track for commissioning by July 2019
Olkaria I Geothermal Plant (Source: Toshiba Press Release)
Alexander Richter
18 Jun 2018
KenGen reports that construction of the 168 MW Olkaria V geothermal power project is progressing with construction 40% completed. The plant is expected to start operation by July 2019.
In a statement to local news, KenGen Managing Director Rebecca Miano said that the 168 MW Olkaria V geothermal power project is on track and construction is 40% complete. She gave that update as part of KenGen’s G2G Innovation seminar that brings together 500 KenGen employees and local and international stakeholders to deliberate and discuss innovative ideas. According to KenGen, it is through these seminars that the concept of geothermal spa was conceived. Other concepts that were hatched include the establishment of KenGen Industrial Park, whose development is at advanced stages.
The Sh40 billion (USD 400 million) Olkaria V project is expected to be commissioned by July 1, 2019 producing 168 MW. She said this is part KenGen’s ambitious green energy project aimed at delivering an additional 720 MW to the current 1,631 MW of renewable energy by 2020.
“The project is on course and within the budget. We know geothermal is much cheaper than other thermals, therefore we expect to see some changes in the prices of power,” she said.
She, however, added that the pricing of power is set by the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Energy.
“The project is now 40 per cent complete and we have not heard any kind of whisper or any scandal. It is not that we are too good, but both the Board and Management are guided by ethics and integrity,” said KenGen Chairman Joshua Choge.
He said KenGen Board of Directors is doing its oversight role and has allowed the management to implement the project without any undue interference.
Source: Kenyan News
