New estimates see additional 70 MW potential for Olkaria
KenGen Olkaria II plant, Kenya (source: constructionkenya.com)
Alexander Richter
17 May 2013
New estimates show higher potential for the 280 MW geothermal development at Olkaria, which could mean an overall capacity of up to 350 MW now.
With the 280 MW Olkaria IV plant on track for completion by September 2014, the first 70 MW are expected to come online in December this year, according to Eddy Njoroge, CEO of KenGen.
The company now expects a higher capacity potential for the project than previously estimated. Recent reservoir tests have beaten previous expectations.
“Power production from Olkaria (IV) could rise to 350 MW, from the projected 280 MW,” Njoroge told reporters late on Wednesday in Naivasha.
The Olkaria IV project is an extension of two existing plants at the site that already produces 150 MW of power. These plants are Olkaria I and Olkaria II. Olkaria III is a private project by U.S. company Ormat Technologies.
Kenya, is targeting production of at least 5,000 MW of geothermal power by 2030.
Njoroge said the Olkaria plant could meet 25 percent of the country’s power demand by 2015.
Source: Standard Media Kenya
