Posted on :Thursday , 13th May 2021

The company has signed a USD 6 million contract with Office Djiboutien De Development De l’energie Geothermique (Djiboutian Office of Geothermal Energy Development).

The ceremony, in Galla Le Koma, Djibouti, was attended by Kenya's Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter and KenGen CEO & Managing Director Rebecca Miano.

Speaking during the event, Charles Keter pointed out African nations, shared the common aspiration of delivering electricity to their people, which he said, provided an opportunity to work together to meet the continent's energy needs.

"The biggest challenge has remained access (to electricity) in remote areas, and in sub Saharan Africa with about 573 million people not having access to this important commodity. Although energy access policies have continued to bear fruit, with year 2019 data showing tremendous progress, we have seen the Coronavirus pandemic reverse the gains. We can only remain positive that things will change in 2021," he said.

While highlighting Kenya's progress in achieving universal electricity access, Keter indicated the country's National Electrification Strategy which launched in the year 2018 had played an important role in helping the nation achieve electrification in an economically viable manner.

In the year 2019, Kenya's power installed capacity was around 2,818.9 MW. Currently, the country's energy mix comprises hydro (29%), wind (12%), geothermal (29%), solar and others (2%) and thermal (28%).

Keter noted the country has made remarkable progress in increasing access to electric power as a result of deliberate government efforts and private sector investment.

According to Keter, Kenya's journey towards harnessing geothermal energy started in the 1950s and guaranteed Djibouti of support in enabling it to realise its geothermal potential. "Till date, we have drilled more than 300 wells within the Olkaria field, which is the bedrock of Kenya's geothermal energy production. As a country, we have a geothermal energy potential of up to 10,000 MW along the Rift Valley with the resource being harnessed in 23 sites," Keter said.

Miano expressed optimism that the three wells will be productive and enhance Djibouti's efforts towards growing its energy production.

KenGen, which has embarked on a diversification strategy, leverages its expertise in geothermal energy by offering commercial drilling services, geothermal consulting and other energy related services across Africa.