News

GDC and Nakuru county to collaborate on geothermal utilization

GDC and Nakuru county to collaborate on geothermal utilization GDC and Nakuru county. representatives at signing of agreement, August 2020 (source: GDC)
Alexander Richter 2 Sep 2020

The county of Nakuru and Kenya's Geothermal Development Company (GDC) have signed a collaboration framework agreement on geothermal energy utilization.

Nakuru is home to GDC’s Menengai Geothermal Project. In addition to the anticipated provision of steam for power generation to power producers once the power plants are ready, the Project also houses a demonstration site which showcases Direct Uses of geothermal energy. The pilot project at the site showcases various Direct Uses of geothermal resources, namely pasteurization, aquaculture, and greenhouse heating. There is also a laundromat and a grain dryer.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nakuru County Governor H. E. Lee Kinyanjui welcomed the partnership citing it as an undertaking that would greatly benefit residents of Nakuru County. “We are exploring establishment of an industrial park that will increase quantity of goods manufactured in the county as well as create jobs for Nakuru residents,” said Governor Kinyanjui. “This agreement will foster a partnership that will see Direct Use of geothermal resources used in agro-processing, breeding of fish, pasteurization among other uses. Geothermal technology will be used in food production hence increase productivity,” he added.

GDC Managing Director/CEO Jared O. Othieno expressed his optimism on the partnership and the prospects it presents. “GDC aims to promote and market geothermal direct use of energy in agriculture, industrialization and tourism,” he noted. “This partnership will impact the lives of the local community by improving their livelihoods and subsequently create wealth. It is therefore important to find ways in which Nakuru residents and investors can benefit from this noble project,” said Eng. Othieno. He emphasized the fact that through this partnership, GDC will contribute towards the achievement of two of the Big 4 agenda; manufacturing and manufacturing and food security.

A joint committee for implementation of the framework will be formed to ensure the fruition of the agreement. Present at the signing ceremony were, Nakuru County Executive Committee (CEC) Raymond Komen (Trade and Tourism), Eng Festus Ng’eno (Environment, Energy and Natural resources) and County Attorney Caleb Nyamwange.

The Menengai Geothermal Project is one of GDC’s projects that is under development. It has an estimated geothermal potential of 1600MW.

Source: GDC

Individuals on the picture: Nakuru County Governor H.E. Hon Lee Kinyanjui (Seated, Right) and GDC MD & CEO Eng. Jared O. Othieno (Seated, Left), signs the Collaboration Framework Agreement(CFA). Looking on are the Nakuru County and GDC’ s delegation led by GM legal Services and Company Secretary Ms. Beatrice Kosgei (Front Row, 2nd Left, Standing) and her counterpart in the County, Mr. Caleb Nyamwange (Front Row, Extreme Right). Also present were GM SRI Dr. George Muia (Back Row, Extreme Left), Mr. Cornel Ofwona GM -Geothermal Resource Development,  (Back row, 2nd Left), Nakuru County Trade and Tourism CEC Mr. Raymond Komen (Back Row, 2nd Right) and Environment, Energy and Natural Resources CEC Eng. Festus Ng’eno.