Kenya offering support to Djibouti on its ongoing geothermal development
KenGen is offering technical support to Djibouti on the development of geothermal projects in the country, building on the extensive history and experience of Kenya.
During a recent visit of Djibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh to the Olkaria geothermal fields in Naivasha, Kenya, he hailed Kenya’s work on geothermal energy and utilisation of this key resource. Kenya has offered technical support to help Djibouti explore its geothermal resources in the coming years, as reported by The Star.
The President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary for Energy Charles Keter, senior government officials and KenGen CEO Rebecca Miano.
“Kenya and Djibouti are strategic partners and this visit will enhance our economic cooperation specifically on the energy sector. Our focus is on renewable energy and our investment in geothermal power has already seen power bills reduce significantly from the highs last seen in mid-2014,” she said.
With its estimated geothermal potential of 300 MW, Djibouti is pursuing a renewable energy agenda and is actually developing projects at the moment.
KenGen is willing and able to offer a helping hand in the development of geothermal energy.
Miano said the company was on course in the development of clean and renewable energy which are set for completion by 2020.
“The projects include the Olkaria V 140MW, Olkaria VI 140MW, Olkaria VII 140MW, Olkaria I Unit 6 70MW, Olkaria I Rehabilitation 5.7MW and Olkaria I AU & IV topping plant 60MW”.
She said plans were at an advanced stage for the development of Meru Wind Phase I 80MW, Geothermal Wellheads 50MW and Ngong III project 10MW.
To date, over 27 Djibouti students have been certified in Geothermal Development under UNU-GTP Kenya Course.
Source: The Star