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Drilling rig mobilised for Tulu Moye geothermal project in Ethiopia

Drilling rig mobilised for Tulu Moye geothermal project in Ethiopia Drilling rig by KenGen (source: KenGen)
Alexander Richter 3 Jan 2020

KenGen has started mobilisation for its drilling rig and equipment for its work on the Tulu Moye geothermal project in Ethiopia.

Just before Christmas, it was reported that KenGen has started the mobilisation of its drilling rig for the Tulu Moye geothermal project in Ethiopia.

We reported earlier this year, that a contract for drilling services was signed by Tulu Moye Geothermal and KenGen. Under the $56 million contract, KenGen will drill 12 geothermal wells, installing water supply system and equipment. Around 48 truck loads will be sent to the project site by KenGen.

The company is taking great pride in taking its geothermal experiences and services outside of Kenya.

“Our projects in Ethiopia come at a time when KenGen’s diversification strategy has taken off in earnest. For more than 40 years now, KenGen has drilled more than 300 geothermal wells & invested in experts with considerable experience in geothermal development.”, so Rebecca Miano, Managing Director of KenGen.

KenGen is involved in Ethiopia also for a drilling project by Ethiopian Electric company.

As one of the first independent power projects in Ethiopia, the Tulu Moye geothermal project plans to develop a geothermal power plant with the capacity to generate 150MW to be developed in 2 phases (Phase 1- 50 MW, Phase 2-100MW) to produce electric power in the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley, Oromia Regional State, Arsi & East Shewa zones, and sell the power to the Ethiopian Electric Power.

KenGen owns and operates three drilling rigs complete with all the auxiliary equipment: two electric land rigs with capacity to drill up to a depth of 7,000 meters and a national (N370) drilling rig that can drill wells up to 2,200 meters. KenGen employs innovative drilling techniques and tools that minimize cost and duration of drilling wells.