KENYA RANKED 9TH GLOBALLY IN GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATION.

Kenya’s 700MW geothermal power generation increases its world ranking topping some technological giants. 

Renewable Global Status ranked Kenya 9th globally in geothermal power generating capacity with a capacity of 700MW. The new generating capacity beats Japan’s 10th position 500MW geothermal capacity.

This ranking is due to the growing investments in Kenya’s renewable energy sector including US $80m secured by the largest solar deal in Africa, in 2017. Hence, 9m households in Kenya have access to off-grid renewable energy. This accounts for over 70% of Kenya’s installed capacity compared to the world average of 24%.

The largest geothermal generating Country, USA has a generating capacity of 2,500MW followed by the Philippines 1,900MW, Indonesia 1,800MW, Turkey 1,100MW, New Zealand 1000MW, Mexico 900MW, Italy 800MW and Iceland 750MW. The rest of the world share 950 MW.

Geothermal energy source has low emission when compared to thermal sources. Also it is cheaper and economically preferable during drought.

Kenya has a target of 5GW geothermal capacity by the year 2030. Green energy power plants under development in Kenya include the 300 MW Lake Turkana Wind Power Plant, the 70MW Olkaria 1 and the 140 MW Ol Karia V. The Lake Turkana Wind Power Plant is the single largest wind power plant in Africa.

However, the Turkana wind farm after overcoming installation challenges will soon be connected to the national grid.

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