The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has today presided over the ground-breaking for the Menengai Geothermal project in Nakuru County; the second large-scale geothermal field developed after Olkaria in the country.
“It is a great day as we break the ground for construction of the Menengai Geothermal Power Generation Project. This project will add an extra 35 Mega Watts to our national grid upon completion in 2025, complementing the existing geothermal, wind, solar and hydropower. We are implementing this project in partnership with Globeleq, with the support of the African Development Bank to a tune of $145Million. It pushes Kenya closer to our target of 100 per cent transition to renewable energy. ” Gachagua said.
The 35 Megawatts greenfield project being spearheaded by the United Kingdom through Globeleq is part of Kenya’s commitment to fast-track green investment projects
“This project was started in 2013 and was stuck. In eight months we have kick started it (tumefungua).” Gachagua added.
He was accompanied by Nakuru governor Susan Kihika among other leaders and senior government officials.
“I assure Kenyans that through deliberate interventions we will go to green energy and we will bring the cost of power down. Please give us a little bit of time and we will deliver.” He added.
The project is also expected to create up to 200 direct jobs for local workers and upon completion, provide employment for up to 50 permanent staff and contractors.
“The Kenya Kwanza Administration is determined to push this further, as one of the measures of transitioning from fossil fuel to green energy in our bid to combat Climate Change. Green energy is also affordable, a factor that will significantly bring down the cost of power, especially for domestic consumers. For instance, upon completion, electricity from this power plant that we launch today will cost about 7 US cents.” Gachagua observed.
He said reduced cost of power is a catalyst to the development pillar under manufacturing, which will not only reduce the cost of production, but also accelerate job creation for the unemployed population, especially the youth.
“Similarly, reduced cost of production will progressively contribute to lowering the cost of living in the long term.” He noted.
Kenya has vast geothermal potential and successful development of the Menengai geothermal Project will boost possible development in the field.
“We commend the Geothermal Development Company and the other agencies for the tremendous work in unlocking Kenya’s green power potential. We will continue to support GDC to effectively play its role. Most importantly, these efforts will help Kenya meet its international obligation on decarbonising the economy, on the African and global front as we push to exploit the full geothermal potential.” He added.
The DP also called for more partnership to fully exploit green energy.