Dry period and low hydro output highlights importance of geothermal in Kenya
Transmission infrastructure at Menengai, Kenya (source: Agence ecofin)
Alexander Richter
19 Feb 2017
The recent dry period in Kenya results in lower hydro power generation and required use of thermal power stations, pushing electricity price up. Therefore geothermal energy remains an important tool for Kenya's future energy mix and lower electricity prices.
An ongoing dry period, has resulted in a drop of water levels at key hydro power dams in Kenya.
Kenya Power though reports that there are no plans to ration power. With rain expected to pick up again, things are thought to become better.
KenGen recently announced having scaled down on hydro power generation from its Masinga hydro power dam. This way thermal power had to be utilised which has raised electricity prices.
Geothermal energy is seen as a key tool to improve the country’s energy mix and decrease electricity prices for the general public and businesses in the country.
Source: Standard/ ktn News
