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GDC will commence drilling at Baringo-Silali early 2017

GDC will commence drilling at Baringo-Silali early 2017 Lake Bogoria, Kenya (source: flickr/ Rainbirder, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 13 Jun 2016

GDC plans with a start of drilling for the Baringo Silali geothermal project in Kenya by January 2017.

At a recent press meeting by Geothermal Development Company (GDC), the company reported that drilling operation for geothermal energy in the Baringo Silali Block will commence in January 2017. This said Eng. Johnson Ole Nchoe, the Managing Director and CEO of the Geothermal Development Company (GDC). during a tour of the Menengai Geothermal Project in Nakuru late last week.

“We’re committed to opening up the Baringo-Silali geothermal prospect which has a huge potential. Already we have issued some works contracts that will accelerate the development of the project. We need to speed up the generation of electricity from renewable sources to meet the demands of the country,” said Eng. Nchoe.

The Baringo Silali Block Project has been funded by KFW of Germany to the tune of Ksh. 8 billion ($80 million). GDC is expected to drill about 20 wells that will produce up to 200 MW of electricity. The Baringo Silali Block has a potential output of 3000 MW. GDC has already carried out comprehensive scientific exploration. The company has also paved roads in the project area that are critical for drilling operations.

Meanwhile, GDC has announced that power plant construction at the Menengai Geothermal Project, will commence in the next three months to tap and produce 105 MW of electricity. The company has contracted three Independent Power Producers  (IPPs) to build three power plants in the project. This way, Kenya’s efforts towards cheap green electricity will be realised.

Source: Standard Media