GDC to Begin Power Generation at Menengai Plant

The Geothermal Development Company (GDC), has so far prospected and drilled steam that  can produce upto 170 megawatts of electricity at the Menengai crater caldera in Nakuru.

GDC began drilling at the Menengai Crater Caldera in the year 2011.

According to GDC Managing Director Jared Othieno,the company will  soon begin production of electricity using steam following the identification and licensing of three independent investors.

The three will each be expected bro produce 35 megawatts of electricity which will then be fed to the national grid.

Speaking in Nakuru, Othieno said that once the production begins, the benefit will be passed on to Kenyans “in form of cheaper power”.

At the same time the MD said that GDC is looking for partnerships with private investors who are willing to sink finances into alternative usage of the geothermal resource.

He cited milk pasteurization, grain drying, aquaculture and cement manufacturing as some of the areas where geothermal resource can be put to use.

On the issue of establishing an industrial park at the Menengai GDC site, Othieno said that a pre-feasibility study had been completed and that a detailed study will soon be done to that effect.

The Nakuru County Government in partnership with the National Government has been mooting setting up an industrial park at the Menengai Crater GDC site. 

See Also>>>> Kenya Power Appoints Five New Board Members