Kenya offers technical support to geothermal energy development in Djibouti

Djibouti President visiting the Olkaria geothermal field, May 2018 (source: KenGen)

Alexander Richter 11 May 2018

During a recent visit by Djibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh to Kenya, Kenya offered technical support to Djibouti in the development of renewable energy projects, in particular geothermal energy.

Djibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh toured the Olkaria Geothermal fields in Naivasha with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Charles Keter, senior government officials and the CEO of KenGen.

Energy CS Charles Keter and senior government officials from the two nations said his country stood to benefit from the immense knowledge Kenya has on geothermal exploration.

Kengen CEO Rebecca Miano hailed the tour, saying it will enhance collaboration between Kenya and Djibouti in renewable energy development.

“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.

Miano said Djibouti was also pursuing a renewable energy agenda and was endowed with abundant geothermal, solar and wind resources.

“The country has the potential to generate more than 300 MW of electric power from renewable energy sources”.

She said the country’s geothermal resources have been recognized for years adding that Kenya, through KenGen is willing and able to offer a helping hand in the development of geothermal energy.

Source: The Star