Kenya’s pursuit of universal green energy access received a significant boost Thursday with the groundbreaking of a 35-megawatt geothermal power plant in Nakuru County, about 200 kilometers northwest of Nairobi.
The Orpower 22 Geothermal Power Plant, which is expected to cost around $90 million, will be constructed over 17 months. Officials say it will accelerate Kenya’s transition to green energy, enhance climate resilience, and stimulate economic growth.
President William Ruto officiated at the ceremony, highlighting that the project, developed by China’s Kaishan Group Co. Ltd. through a public-private partnership, underscores Kenya’s commitment to a fully green national electricity grid by 2030.
“We are unlocking Kenya’s vast geothermal potential to drive economic growth,” Ruto stated, noting that the country has created an enabling environment for private sector investments in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal.
Currently, Kenya has harnessed only 950 MW of its estimated 10,000 MW geothermal potential. Ruto emphasized that investors like Kaishan Group are crucial for the sustainable development of this clean energy source.
Kenya ranks as the sixth largest producer of geothermal energy globally, with this source accounting for over 50 percent of its national power mix. Ruto projected that the new plant would elevate Kenya to fifth place in global geothermal production, ensuring that its economic development remains green and inclusive.
The president reiterated Kenya’s commitment to decarbonizing its national grid and advancing towards net-zero targets through progressive regulatory frameworks and targeted investments.
Yan Tang, general manager of Kaishan Group, expressed optimism about the partnership with the Kenyan government and local communities, aiming to implement geothermal power and green hydrogen projects that promote zero-carbon industrialization.
“Through these initiatives, we are not only pursuing renewable energies such as green electricity, green hydrogen, and green ammonia, but also creating more jobs and boosting economic impact in local communities,” Yan said.
Additionally, the Kaishan Group’s 35-MW Sosian Menengai Geothermal Power Plant, also located in Nakuru County, has been supplying electricity to the national grid since June 2023, further facilitating Kenya’s transition to green energy.
Opiyo Wandayi, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for Energy and Petroleum, emphasized that the collaboration with the Chinese firm aims to enhance access to renewable energy and meet the country’s carbon emission reduction targets as outlined in international agreements.
Kenya’s pursuit of universal green energy access received a significant boost Thursday with the groundbreaking of a 35-megawatt geothermal power plant in Nakuru County, about 200 kilometers northwest of Nairobi.
The Orpower 22 Geothermal Power Plant, which is expected to cost around $90 million, will be constructed over 17 months. Officials say it will accelerate Kenya’s transition to green energy, enhance climate resilience, and stimulate economic growth.
President William Ruto officiated at the ceremony, highlighting that the project, developed by China’s Kaishan Group Co. Ltd. through a public-private partnership, underscores Kenya’s commitment to a fully green national electricity grid by 2030.
“We are unlocking Kenya’s vast geothermal potential to drive economic growth,” Ruto stated, noting that the country has created an enabling environment for private sector investments in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal.
Currently, Kenya has harnessed only 950 MW of its estimated 10,000 MW geothermal potential. Ruto emphasized that investors like Kaishan Group are crucial for the sustainable development of this clean energy source.
Kenya ranks as the sixth largest producer of geothermal energy globally, with this source accounting for over 50 percent of its national power mix. Ruto projected that the new plant would elevate Kenya to fifth place in global geothermal production, ensuring that its economic development remains green and inclusive.
The president reiterated Kenya’s commitment to decarbonizing its national grid and advancing towards net-zero targets through progressive regulatory frameworks and targeted investments.
Yan Tang, general manager of Kaishan Group, expressed optimism about the partnership with the Kenyan government and local communities, aiming to implement geothermal power and green hydrogen projects that promote zero-carbon industrialization.
“Through these initiatives, we are not only pursuing renewable energies such as green electricity, green hydrogen, and green ammonia, but also creating more jobs and boosting economic impact in local communities,” Yan said.
Additionally, the Kaishan Group’s 35-MW Sosian Menengai Geothermal Power Plant, also located in Nakuru County, has been supplying electricity to the national grid since June 2023, further facilitating Kenya’s transition to green energy.
Opiyo Wandayi, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for Energy and Petroleum, emphasized that the collaboration with the Chinese firm aims to enhance access to renewable energy and meet the country’s carbon emission reduction targets as outlined in international agreements.
