Drilling progressing well at Baringo-Silali geothermal project, Kenya

The ongoing drilling in the Baringo-Silali geothermal block is progressing well after the Kifaru II rig was set up on site at Paka last month, as reported by GDC.

According to Mr. Johnstone Maleche, Manager, Drilling Operations, the work is progressing well and the drillers are upbeat with development.

“We are at a depth of over 76 meters and the casing has been done. We cemented last week and the well is promising,” said Mr. Maleche.

Late last month, GDC Managing Director & CEO Eng. Johnson P. Ole Nchoe, led the GDC team in witnessing the spudding of the Kifaru II rig, which has been stationed at the Paka prospect. Eng. Ole Nchoe added that the activity will be a critical game-changer for the region. The Baringo-Silali block cuts through the Bogoria, Baringo, Arus, Korosi, Chepchuk, Paka, and Silali prospects.

Last year during a visit to the area, the Energy Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Hon. Simon Kachapin also indicated that development of the Baringo-Silali Geothermal Project will have a huge impact in transforming the region into an economic hub. Hon. Kachapin lauded the progress of the project saying soon investors will be flocking to the region once the drilling operations and later power generation starts.

“This is a huge project not only in this area but also in the country. We shall have industrial parks here that will utilize the direct uses of geothermal energy. This will greatly change the economy of the region which now only depends on livestock,” he said.

Exploration drilling is being conducted in the expansive area estimated to have a potential of around 3,000MW. Development of the field will be done in three phases, each expected to produce 100MW

Source: GDC