KenGen eyes 200mw wind power from Marsabit to meet electricity demands

The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is seeking an extra 200mw from wind power in Marsabit County to meet the rising electricity demand in the country.

The company has already embarked on feasibility studies in the region as the government gears towards fully phasing out thermal power in the next five years.

This came in the wake of reports by the Ministry of Energy that the country’s annual power demand was rising between 100mw and 120mw every year.

According to KenGen MD Engineer Peter Njenga, the country’s power demand is on the rise with hydro and geothermal leading in production.

To address the demand, KenGen is seeking 200mw from Marsabit with plans for a solar plant in the region underway. The power producer believes they can get up to 200mw from wind.

The MD was addressing the press in Olkaria, Naivasha ahead of the three day Sustainable conference which brings on board players in the energy sector.

On geothermal energy, Njenga said that KenGen is working with Geothermal Development Company (GDC) to tap another 200mw from Menengai and 100mw from Baringo.

“In the next 10 years, from our strategic plan, we are looking at adding 1,500 megawatts to the grid and that will comprise 100 percent of green energy,” said Njenga.

A rehabilitation of Olkaria I, the oldest geothermal power plant, is underway with plans to increase production from 45mw to 63mw by June next year.

“Currently, the country has 3.3 giga-watts of installed capacity with Kengen contributing 1.786 giga-watts of that as we have an important role in ensuring that we have adequate electricity in the country,” he said.

On his part, NTSA regional manager in Nakuru John Parteroi said that they are advocating for electric cars and motorcycles which have zero emissions.

Parteroi advocated for safer cars through utilization of green energy.