Menengai power line connection estimated cost of $35 million
The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company estimates the project will cost about $35 million and construction of a 32-kilometre line to transmit geothermal power from Menengai is expected to begin by year-end.
Geothermal development also relies on adequate power transmission, according to a local news source from Kenya, the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco), the State agency managing bulk electricity transport, plans to construct the line to carry power generated at the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) wells in Menengai.
Ketraco estimates the project will cost about $35 million (Sh3.2 billion) but the exact cost will be known once the site’s power potential is fully known.
The GDC estimates the site could have as much as 1,600 megawatts of geothermal power.
Mr John Mativo, the head of technical services at Ketraco, said confirmation of power potential will also make it easier for other lenders to chip in towards financing for the 400kv line.
“The World Bank has shown some interest in financing the project but it will depend on the site long-term full capacity,” Mr Mativo told the Business Daily.
Source: Business Daily Africa