11 November 2009
Nairobi — Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) plans to increase geothermal output by 280 megawatts (MW) subject to National Environment Management Authority (Nema) granting project approvals.
Nema said it had received from the power producer environmental impact assessment study reports for 140 MW Olkaria IV (Domes) geothermal plant and building additional units of 140 MW at Olkaria I.
Director of compliance Malwa Langwen said in a notice to the public that submission of the reports on proposed projects was in compliance to rule 21 of environmental regulations.
"Nema invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within 30 days to director general to assist in approval process of the projects," he said.
He said Olkaria IV (Domes) geothermal project entails construction of a power plant and associated infrastructure such the cooling tower, steam gathering system, switch yard and transmission line.
Drilling of geothermal wells by Great Wall Drilling Company of China in the Olkaria Domes area started on June 18, 2007 with funding from Ministry of Energy, World Bank and KenGen.
This was after appraisal drilling confirmed existence of commercially viable steam in the area.
Existing units
Mr Langwen said KenGen has proposed the construction units of four and five at Olkaria I to generate 140 MW of electricity to complement the power out of the two existing units.
"The proposal entails construction of two additional units at Olkaria I, 4th and 5th generating a total 140 MW to the already existing three units," he said.
Olkaria I power station was the first geothermal plant in Africa and generates 45 MW from three units each with an output of 15 megawatts.
The first unit was commissioned in June 1981, second and third units in November 1982 and March 1985 respectively.
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