| 2200mw of power by 2020 |
| Written by Maria Galang |
| Wednesday, 03 February 2010 09:17 |
|
Kenya is set for more energy production following the drilling of new geothermal wells at Ol Karia.
The Geothermal Development Company is spearheading the operations projects to compliment to the national grid output.
The company is in the process of drilling 560 wells over the next decade to provide steam that is expected to increase energy production to 2200 megawatts. Currently, Kenya produces 167mw of power.
Areas identified for the drilling include Menengai Crater, Lake Bogoria, Ol Karia, and Kapedo in east Pokot. The project has been funded jointly by the government and development partners.
According to the managing director, once the geothermal steam well is completed, GDC will be injecting a cumulative 200mw to the national grid every year as from December this year.
Electricity demand stands at about 1070mw against an installed capacity of about 1660mw. The demand is projected to grow from 8% to 10% annually in the next 20 years.
In a span of 5 years, GDC plans to drill 210 wells planning to produce 1000 megawatts of power. However, $1b is required to hire 12 rigs for the operation.
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