Olkaria geothermal plant attracting global visitors

The Olkaria geothermal power plant in Naivasha has become a major resource centre for visitors seeking to learn and explore geothermal potential in their countries.

Africa's largest geothermal power station, Olkaria generates more than 200 megawatts (MW) for the national grid, with Kenya aiming for 1200 MW by 2018.

The state-of-the-art plant, in the outskirts of Naivasha town, operates on a single flash plant cycle with steam consumption of 7.5 tonnes per hour per megawatt.

Located within the geothermal-rich Hell's Gate National Park, the plant boasts of hosting the largest spa bath in Africa.

Most of the visitors to the facility also opt to go through the park and hence enjoy the rich wildlife scenery in the park.

MAJOR ATTRACTION

The plant has hence become a major attraction for high powered delegations who visit the plant to see its richness in the geothermal wells.

With its primary generation source mandate being to provide a firm source of clean and cheap energy while reducing dependence on imported oil, the facility has become a magnet for lovers of the environment.

Among the high-profile visitors include the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who expressed his satisfaction at the efforts made at the facility to manufacture clean energy.

“The government of Kenya’s efforts to ensure that all that it generates is clean and is put to proper use is a clear indication that they care about environmental conservation,” said Mr Ban.

“It is impressive, since it not only showcases the importance of renewable energy and climate change, but also portrays the important aspect of partnership and development.

FORWRD-LOOKING POLICIES

It is among a growing number of examples of how the United Nations, the World Bank, donor governments and the private sector are supporting forward-looking public policies that can help to reduce poverty and lay the foundations for a sustainable future," he added

Ban said that Kenya was on the way to becoming sufficient in low-carbon and resource-efficient energy to power a “green economy.”

He said that although Kenya is not rich in oil, natural gas or coal reserves, it has a wealth of “clean fuels” — from geothermal energy and wind to solar and biomass.

The country, he said, could generate 1,200 megawatts of electricity by 2018 by developing its geothermal capacity.

He added that if done efficiently and creatively, this could help to catalyse renewable energy not just in Kenya, but as part of the planned East Africa power pool.

A LOT TO LEARN

Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, fascinated by the power production, admitted that his country had a lot to learn from the explorations going on in Naivasha.

“Kenya has shown that accessing and getting geothermal power is not only sustainable but achievable. Tanzania is already considering exploring its geothermal resources so that it can provide energy to millions of its residents who are still in the dark,” President Kikwete said.

Kikwete added that renewable energy would ensure that there was sustainable development in the country.

In 2011, Tanzania had a total of 579 megawatts that were yet to be exploited.

Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), who visited the facility early this year, argued that the energy sector played an important role in enabling economic integration in the continent.

On her part, the Speaker of the EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa, hailed the remarkable progress of the company.

“The project is not only contributing to the narrowing of the energy deficit but it is making a solid contribution and a tangible solution to the power deficit in the country,” the Speaker remarked.

RICH RESOURCE

During his visit to the facility, former Ethiopian Prime Minister, the late Meles Zenawi, said that East African countries were yet to learn a lot from the power plant.

“This is one of the richest source of expertise in the world, and the fact that it is also an African country that has ventured into this great work is a great encouragement to the African states,” he added.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Vice president Mr Tsueno Kurokawa also expressed satisfaction at the work going on at the facility.

“This is a clear indication that Africa is ready to change for the better. We applaud its determination to promote clean and renewable energy. This will go a long way in ensuring that future generations are well served with clean and fresh air,” he added.

Those who have visited the Olkaria power plant include Motegi Toshimitsu, the Japanese minister for Economic Trade and Industry.

CLEAN-ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Members of parliament from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Gambia have also become frequent visitors.

The World Bank's Vice President for Africa, Ms Obiageli Ezekwesili, viewed it as a means to enable African countries to resolve their energy crises through clean-energy solutions.

Ms Ezekwesili was impressed by Kenya’s ambitions to achieve clean energy for the future, which she said will enable the country to reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life of Kenyans through increased access to electricity in rural and urban areas.

“Kenya’s vision and clear path to a clean-energy future is bold and should set an example for other African countries,” she added.

Olkaria Geothermal Development Manager Godfrey Muchemi says that the company had already sent out experts to other African countries to help them analyse the geo-power potential in their areas.

“We assist any country that shows interest in geothermal production, both in providing personnel and also in advising them,” he said.

SHOWN INTEREST

Mr Muchemi says that countries including Ethiopia, Tanzania and Rwanda had shown huge interest in exploiting their geothermal reservoirs after visiting the facility.

“Many are encouraged and they feel that this is a great possibility. All the ministers who have visited Olkaria have expressed satisfaction at the work being done,” he added.

Muchemi adds that the company plans to create five industrial parks in the facility to woo manufacturers with cheap power.

“We want to encourage the Kenyan companies to invest locally and hence we will be supplying them with power at a cheaper rate,” he added

Kenya is ranked ninth in geothermal power production.