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GDC invites bids for plants to power drilling activities at Menengai

GDC invites bids for plants to power drilling activities at Menengai Menengai Crater, Kenya (source: flickr/ meaduva, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 28 Mar 2012

Geothermal Development Company is inviting bids for a 15-year BOOT agreement for an emergency 5-10 MW geothermal plant that could replace diesel fueled power generation for the operation of its drilling rigs at Menengai, Kenya.

In the news from Kenya yesterday it is reported that “the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is seeking alternative power from steam sources to replace the more expensive diesel used to run its drilling rigs at the Menengai site, Nakuru.”

The company now has invited bids for the installation of an emergency 5 to 10 MW geothermal power plant that would churn energy to used for operating the rigs.

“The geothermal modular power plant to be installed at the Menengai geothermal field and commissioned within the shortest time possible so as to reduce the high cost associated with drilling using diesel,” the company said in a tender that closes on May 2.

Successful bidders would be handed the contract under a 15-year build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) arrangement.”

The company is looking at alternatives to generate power by diesel for its drilling operations, as it is expected to become even more expensive and a large cost burden to the development plans of the company at Menengai.

Source: Business Daily Africa