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New Zealand’s Geoheat Breakthrough: Inside the 2026–2027 Action Plan to Scale Low-Carbon Heat Nationwide

New Zealand’s Geoheat Revolution: How Earth Sciences New Zealand and Ara Ake Are Reshaping the Future of Low-Carbon Heat New Zealand is quietly positioning itself at the forefront of one of the most underappreciated but transformative energy transitions in the world: the large-scale adoption of geoheat. While global attention often gravitates toward geothermal electricity, hydrogen, or solar megaprojects, a more immediate and highly practical revolution is unfolding beneath the surface—direct-use geothermal heat under 150°C, now being systematically developed through a coordinated national strategy. The recently released 2026–2027 Geoheat Action Plan marks a pivotal moment in this journey. Developed through a partnership between Earth Sciences New Zealand and Ara Ake, the country’s energy innovation centre, the plan represents a structured attempt to move geoheat from scattered pilot projects into a coordinated, scalable national system. It is not just a research document—it is a depl...

Globeleq 35 MW Menengai Geothermal Plant Project To Start by April 2025

 Bringing Sustainable Energy to Kenya: Globeleq's 35 MW Geothermal Power Project in Menengai



In a significant stride towards sustainable energy development in Kenya, Globeleq, a leading independent power producer, is set to embark on a groundbreaking 35 MW geothermal power project in Menengai. With the project slated to commence construction next week, the collaboration between Globeleq and its partners marks a pivotal moment in Kenya's renewable energy journey.

Mobilization of Construction Teams and Commencement of Civil Works

Globeleq has joined forces with prominent EPC contractors, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO Kenya Limited, to kickstart the mobilization of construction teams. The commencement of civil works signals the beginning of a transformative phase for the Menengai region and the broader Kenyan energy landscape.

Timeline and Project Scope

The construction phase is estimated to span 23 months, with full operation expected to commence around the quarter of 2025. This ambitious timeline underscores the commitment of all stakeholders involved to deliver clean, reliable energy to the region in a timely manner. Once operational, the project is poised to create approximately 250 jobs, providing much-needed employment opportunities for the local community.

 GDC's Inaugural Geothermal Plant

Menengai will serve as the inaugural geothermal plant supplied by the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) to the project. Under a 25-year project implementation agreement, GDC will play a pivotal role in providing steam to power the plant, further solidifying Kenya's position as a leader in geothermal energy production.

Operations and Maintenance

Upon reaching commercial operation in 2025, Globeleq will assume responsibility for operating and maintaining the power plant. This commitment ensures the sustained efficiency and longevity of the infrastructure, guaranteeing uninterrupted energy supply to the region for years to come.

Power Purchase Agreement with KPLC

Electricity generated from the Menengai geothermal plant will be sold to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) under a 25-year power purchase agreement. This strategic partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable energy initiatives and meeting the growing demand for electricity in Kenya.

As Globeleq's 35 MW geothermal power project in Menengai takes shape, it represents a beacon of hope for Kenya's energy future. By harnessing the country's abundant geothermal resources, this initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also fosters economic growth and job creation. With construction set to commence imminently, the countdown to a greener, more prosperous future for Menengai and Kenya as a whole has begun

Source: Researched and Written by Robert Buluma, alphaxioms@gmail.com.

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