Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services for geothermal power plants in developing countries including East African countries.
The project will be handled through a combination of KenGen and Toshiba ESS’s know-how and networks. This MoU was signed during TICAD 8 held in Tunisia in August 27and 28.
KenGen produces about 60% of the electricity installed in the country, with 86% generated from renewable energy, such as hydropower, wind power, and geothermal power. For geothermal power, KenGen has a 799 MW generation installed capacity, including the Olkaria Geothermal Power Plants, Kenya’s largest geothermal power complex. Under this MOU, KenGen will contribute to the development of geothermal power plants in East African countries and become the “Point of expert reference” in Africa.
KenGen Managing Director & CEO, Rebecca Miano said “Geothermal energy provides sustainable power supply. It is a resource we have in abundance in Kenya, an advantage that has enabled us to build a considerable wealth of expertise in its exploration and development. This we have done for more than 50 years.”
Toshiba ESS has delivered 60 geothermal power generation sets with a total capacity of about 3,790 MW all over the world, including Africa. It also supplied 4 sets of 70 MW steam turbines and generators for KenGen’s Olkaria I and IV Geothermal Power Plants.
“I’m delighted to announce this cooperation with KenGen, Toshiba ESS has collaborated in the development of geothermal power generation and human resources in Uganda, Malawi, and other East African countries. Through this collaboration, I’m convinced that we can contribute to supplying clean and safe energy in the regions with KenGen,” said Toshiba ESS Business Development Executive, Toyoaki Fujita.
There is an ongoing survey to identify geothermal resources in the Great Rift Valley, a tectonic plate boundary running from north to south with immense geothermal potential. Both companies are delighted to cooperate in this opportunity and plan further business expansion.
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