UK firm partners with GDC to explore geothermal and critical mineral opportunities in Kenya
Signing of Collaborative Research Agreement between GDC and Ascension (source: email correspondence)
Carlo Cariaga
16 May 2026
UK-based Ascension and Geothermal Development Company will be jointly doing research and exploration for geothermal and critical minerals in Kenya.
Ascension, a UK-based critical minerals company, has signed a Collaborative Research Agreement with state-owned Geothermal Development Company (GDC) explore opportunities in Kenya for geothermal and critical minerals development.
Under the terms of the agreement, the two parties will l conduct joint research in geophysical surveys, subsurface characterisation, data analysis, and critical minerals exploration within GDC concession areas in Kenya. The signing ceremony was held in Nairobi, with Hon. Walter Osebe Nyambati (GDC Chairman), Stephen Busieney (GDC Acting MD & CEO), and Dr George Muia (GDC General Manager Business Development) in attendance.
GDC is state-owned Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that is tasked with developing and de-risking geothermal steam fields in Kenya. The work of GDC has been instrumental in starting power generation in the Menengai geothermal field, where it has drilled more than 50 wells and built the steam gathering system.
“This Collaborative Research Agreement marks an important step in strengthening innovation and research within Kenya’s geothermal sector. By combining GDC’s operational experience and geothermal expertise with Ascension’s technical capabilities, we aim to advance subsurface understanding, improve resource characterisation, and unlock new opportunities in geothermal and critical minerals development,” said Dr George Muia.
“We look forward to a productive partnership that contributes to Kenya’s sustainable energy future and reinforces the country’s position as a global leader in geothermal development.”
Ascension, a spin-out from Oxford University, is a company that aims to recover critical minerals from volcanic rock using sustainable new technologies. Just about a month ago, the company secured £1.7 million in combined public and private funding to boost the development of its critical mineral extraction technology. Combined with existing investments, the company has a total fundraising of £6.2 million.
“GDC is a powerhouse of geothermal expertise and we are really looking forward to working together,” said Motoaki Sumi, CEO of Ascension, “We are honoured to be partnering with GDC’s leading experts under this research agreement. Kenya has an extraordinary geothermal development story. Together, we are looking forward to pushing the boundaries of geothermal research and applications.”
Source: Yahoo Finance, email correspondence
