China has begun construction on the Orpower 22 geothermal power plant in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, aiming to enhance the country’s renewable energy capacity. The 35 MW plant, backed by a US$93 million investment from the Kaishan Group, will elevate Kenya’s geothermal ranking globally while highlighting the untapped potential of nearly 10,000 MW.
China has initiated the construction of a geothermal power plant in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, underscoring its commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives across Africa. The project features a 35-megawatt geothermal facility, Orpower 22, which is being developed by PowerChina, a state-owned energy and construction enterprise. The plant is owned by the Chinese firm Kaishan Group, which has allocated an investment of US$93 million for this endeavor. During the ceremonial launch, President William Ruto emphasized the significance of this development, stating that it would elevate Kenya’s standing in geothermal energy production to the fifth position globally. He remarked, “…highlights our commitment to unlock Kenya’s vast geothermal potential to drive economic growth.” Currently, Kenya has harnessed merely 950 MW of its estimated geothermal capacity of nearly 10,000 MW, indicating a considerable portion of its resources remains untapped. This initiative follows PowerChina’s commissioning of another 35 MW geothermal power plant in Kenya last year, which is operated by the Sosian Geothermal Power Station. This previous project was part of a 14-year agreement wherein China’s Kaishan Group partnered with Kenya’s Sosian Energy to operate the geothermal facility before returning it post-recovery of the investment.
Kenya is endowed with substantial geothermal energy resources, particularly located within the Great Rift Valley, an area known for its volcanic activity and tectonic shifts. With a geothermal potential of approximately 10,000 megawatts (MW), the country has only utilized a fraction of this capacity to date. Beijing’s involvement in Kenya’s energy sector highlights a broader trend of Chinese investment in renewable energy projects across Africa, aiming to bolster the continent’s energy independence and sustainability. The collaboration between Kenyan authorities and Chinese firms aligns with global efforts to transition toward cleaner energy sources, mitigating climate change impacts and promoting economic development within the region.
In summary, the commencement of the Orpower 22 geothermal power plant by China represents a significant step forward in Kenya’s renewable energy landscape. With the potential to significantly boost the country’s geothermal energy output and enhance its global positioning in this sector, this initiative highlights both China’s commitment to sustainable energy in Africa and Kenya’s ongoing efforts to fully exploit its vast geothermal resources. The partnership illustrates the importance of international cooperation in achieving energy goals and promoting economic growth in developing regions.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
