By investing Ksh13. 5 billion in the Menengai geothermal project in Nakuru County, the United Kingdom has ensured that over 700, 000 Kenyans would have access to affordable, clean, and reliable electricity. United Kingdom High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott said in a statement released on Thursday, February 9 that a private power firm in Africa named Globeleq had signed an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract.
This followed the signing of a long-term service agreement for the 35MW Menengai geothermal plant with Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC). Geothermal Development Company (GDC) will supply steam to the Ksh13. 5 billion (USD 108 million) Menengai project to generate electricity, making it the company’s first geothermal plant.
Once the facility is up and running, electricity will be sold to Kenya Power under a PPA. It would allow GDC to monetize steam resources from the Menengai steam field while also providing clean, affordable baseload power to the national grid. An agreement between the African Development Bank, the Eastern, and Southern African Trade and Development Bank, and Finnfund was signed in December 2022, marking a significant milestone for the project.
After meeting with President William Ruto, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed the deal, committing to expedite investment of Ksh500 billion towards various projects in the country. Marriott has promised to help improve Kenya’s infrastructure and is prepared to do so. The Menegai Geothermal in Nakuru will create jobs and supply clean, affordable power to more than 700, 000 people in Kenya.
Initial construction is expected to begin in the first fiscal quarter of 2023, said Globeleq. After 2025, it will be responsible for the plant’s operation and maintenance. Both the steam turbine and generator will be made by Fuji Electric. The final documentation from the government of Kenya is expected this month, and Marriott expects to break ground in March.
