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KenGen seeks approval for 140 MW development for Olkaria V

KenGen seeks approval for 140 MW development for Olkaria V At Lake Naivasha, Kenya (source: flickr/ amirjina, creative commons)
Francisco Rojas 2 Jul 2014

KenGen is looking at adding a new plant, Olkaria V in Naivasha of 140MW and is currently applying to National Environment Management Authority. The Olkaria IV plant is currently underway and both will add a significant books to the electricity supply in the country.

A local news source informs that there are plans under way to construct the fifth Olkaria geothermal power plant in Naivasha which will add 140 megawatts to the national grid in Kenya. In order to achieve this, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has sought approval of the National Environment Management Authority to build the plant comprising two turbines each with an output of 70 megawatts.

Currently, Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corporation (SINOPEC) of China is in charge of building KenGen’s 280MW Olkaria IV plant with the Sh11.5 billion ($140 million) project set to be commissioned later this year.

The same local source informs that Gibb Africa LTd. said the specifications of Olkaria V will be the same as Olkaria IV and the power plant’s design will require a steam flow of 7.5 tons per hour per megawatt (t/h/MW) to ensure the two turbines generate 140MW. The firm said roads to be used during construction process will boost access across villages like Narasha and Inkorienito besides leading to development of medical facilities and other social amenities.

Source: Nairobi Business Monthly Website