Geothermal electricity overtaking hydro power in Kenya
Flamingos at hot spring, Lake Bogoria, Kenya (source: flickr/ Pentera, creative commons)
Francisco Rojas
22 Oct 2014
According to data from the Energy Regulatory Commission in Kenya, the rise of geothermal is due to the commissioning of 70 MW of Olkaria IV and another plant back in late July of 140 MW.
Local news from Kenya report that “Data from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) indicates that geothermal power accounted for 38.85 per cent of the 754.8 million units of electricity bought by homes and businesses in September while hydro power accounted for 36.7 per cent. Thermal power accounted for 22.2 per cent”
As recently reported here, Kenya has recently commissioned a 70 MW geothermal plant and yet another 140 MW back in July. These two plants going online have given geothermal the push to overtake hydro power generation in the country.
The other benefit for customers here is the significant frop in prices for electricity. By phasing out diesel generators, geothermal allows for lower costs than can be translated directly to the end consumer.
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Source: Business Daily Africa
