JICA pledges support for GDC geothermal projects in Kenya
JICA will support the geothermal projects of GDC in Kenya through field services and expert advice on resource management and development plans.
The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has promised to support the geothermal projects of the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) in Kenya through capacity building programs. This will be through the JICA Phase II Capacity Strengthening for Geothermal Steam Supply and Management project.
With this project, JICA aims to enhance resource evaluation and management of geothermal projects. JICA will conduct interference and tracer tests in Menengai to help in optimizing steam supply and re-evaluating the existing geothermal resource. The development plans in Menengai West, Paka, Korosi, Suswa, and other geothermal fields will also be reviewed and updated.
JICA Director-General for Infrastructure Management Hon. Tanaka Hiroo expressed the organization’s support for GDC in a kick-off event for the project help at Nakuru, Kenya. The project is expected to run for 3 years.
GDC Managing Director and CEO Engr. Jared O. Othieno also expressed his gratitude to JICA for the support, and noted that JICA’s assistance had greatly improved the business of GDC.
GDC conducted drilling in the Menengai geothermal field before offering the development and management of its fields to private partners. The facilities of Sosian Menengai Geothermal Power, one of the Independent Power Producers (IPP), is set to start operations by the end of 2022. Last year, we also reported on the conduct of appraisal drilling done by GDC in the Baringo-Silali geothermal site in Paka.
Source: Geothermal Development Company