Skip to main content

Toshiba and SEPCO to Uprate Kengens Olkaria 1 To 65 MW From 45 MW

KenGen Unveils Ambitious Plan to Revamp Oldest Geothermal Power Plant, Paving the Way for a Greener Future



In a groundbreaking move towards bolstering Kenya's renewable energy sector, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has announced a landmark initiative to upgrade the country's oldest geothermal power plant. Set against the backdrop of a burgeoning global push towards sustainable energy solutions, this endeavor marks a pivotal moment in Kenya's journey towards a greener, more environmentally conscious future.

The Olkaria I geothermal power plant, a venerable institution in Kenya's energy landscape, is poised to undergo a transformative overhaul aimed at enhancing its operational efficiency and significantly boosting its electricity generation capacity. KenGen's ambitious vision entails elevating the plant's output from its current 45MW to a robust 63MW, representing a remarkable stride towards meeting the nation's escalating energy demands through eco-friendly means.

At the heart of this monumental undertaking lies a strategic partnership with SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd and Toshiba Energy Systems and Solutions Corporation, two esteemed entities entrusted with spearheading the plant's engineering, procurement, construction, and equipment supply endeavors, respectively. With their expertise and cutting-edge technologies in tow, KenGen is poised to breathe new life into Olkaria I, ushering in an era of unprecedented productivity and sustainability.

Speaking on the significance of the project, KenGen's Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, articulated his fervent belief in the transformative potential of renewable energy, remarking, "The renovation of Olkaria I represents a historic milestone for KenGen as we continue our commitment to sustainable energy solutions." Indeed, this venture underscores Kenya's unwavering dedication to harnessing the boundless potential of geothermal energy, positioning the nation as a trailblazer in the global pursuit of clean power alternatives.

Scheduled for completion by December 2026, the modernization project is poised to align seamlessly with Kenya's overarching energy objectives, as outlined in the Vision 2030 initiative. With a steadfast commitment to achieving a 100% transition to green energy within the decade, Kenya stands poised to emerge as a beacon of environmental stewardship and innovation on the world stage.

Moreover, KenGen's bold endeavor extends far beyond the borders of Olkaria I, serving as a testament to the company's unwavering dedication to pioneering sustainable energy solutions across the African continent. By leveraging the vast geothermal potential of the Rift Valley region, Kenya is poised to set a precedent for sustainable development that reverberates far beyond its shores, catalyzing a paradigm shift towards a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape.

As Eng. Njenga aptly summarizes, "Through this comprehensive renovation, KenGen aims to not only extend the operational lifespan of Olkaria I but also establish a model for sustainable energy development that can be replicated across the region." Indeed, with innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility at its core, KenGen is charting a course towards a brighter, greener future for Kenya and beyond.

KenGen's visionary initiative to revamp Olkaria I stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable energy solutions. By harnessing the boundless potential of geothermal energy, Kenya is not only meeting its burgeoning energy needs but also forging a path towards a more resilient, environmentally conscious future. As the wheels of progress continue to turn, one thing remains abundantly clear: the future of energy is green, and Kenya is leading the charge.

Source:KenGen

Connect with us:Alphaxioms

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico A Game-Changer for AI, Clean Energy, and the Future By Robert Buluma – Alphaxioms Energy Blog In a bold move that signals the future of energy and technology convergence, XGS Energy and Meta Platforms, Inc. have announced a groundbreaking agreement to develop 150 megawatts (MW) of next-generation geothermal energy in New Mexico. This partnership not only promises to reshape the state's energy landscape but also underscores the growing demand for sustainable, round-the-clock power to fuel the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven economies. Clean Power Without Water – XGS’s Unique Edge At the heart of this partnership lies XGS Energy’s proprietary solid-state geothermal technology. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely heavily on water and specific geological conditions, XGS’s innovation enables electricity production from hot, dry rock  with zero operating water use. This water-inde...
Post a Comment
Read more

Eavor’s Groundbreaking Geothermal System Set to Power Germany in 2025

Eavor’s Breakthrough Geothermal System Set to Power Germany: Faster Drilling, Innovative Tech, and a New Era for Closed-Loop Geothermal Germany is on the brink of a geothermal milestone as Canadian startup Eavor Technologies prepares to bring its innovative closed-loop geothermal system online in Geretsried. After two years of ambitious drilling, technical breakthroughs, and field-tested innovation, the project is expected to start producing clean power later this year—marking a major leap forward for next-generation geothermal energy. This groundbreaking development not only accelerates Germany’s push toward renewable energy independence, but also solidifies Eavor as a global leader in advanced geothermal solutions. A New Benchmark for Advanced Geothermal Eavor’s Geretsried facility has captured global attention for one reason: it proves that geothermal energy can be deployed faster, deeper, and more efficiently than ever before. After receiving a $107 million grant from the E...
Post a Comment
Read more

Deutsche Erdwärme Launches Long-Term Geothermal Productivity Test in Graben-Neudorf

Deutsche Erdwärme Starts Long-Term Geothermal Test in Graben-Neudorf By:  Robert Buluma After months of inactivity, the geothermal project in Graben-Neudorf (Karlsruhe district) is springing back to life. Deutsche Erdwärme has initiated a long-term test to evaluate the productivity of its 3,600-meter-deep borehole. The test, expected to run for two to three weeks, is seen as a critical step in determining the feasibility of large-scale geothermal energy production at the site. The central question: Is the geothermal well as productive as Deutsche Erdwärme anticipates? According to reports by SWR, water will be pumped into the underground reservoir, followed by seismological measurements and pressure tests. These activities aim to determine the operational conditions required for safely running a future geothermal plant. Herbert Pohl, CEO of Deutsche Erdwärme, noted that such a long-term test is unprecedented in Germany and in the Upper Rhine Valley. While geothermal exploration...
Post a Comment
Read more

  Djibouti and Canada’s 4th Resource Corp to Seal Strategic Partnership in Geothermal Energy Development

Djibouti and  4th Resource Corp Forge New Path in Geothermal Energy Development November 10, 2025 | Alphaxioms Energy Desk By Robert Buluma 4In a significant stride toward strengthening Djibouti’s renewable energy ambitions, the country’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources , H.E. Yonis Ali Guedi , has officially received a delegation from the Canadian company 4th Resource Corp , a firm renowned for its expertise in geothermal resource exploration and development. The high-level meeting, held in Djibouti City, marked the beginning of what could become a transformative partnership for Djibouti’s energy sector. The discussions centered on geothermal energy development , a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and achieve long-term energy independence. A Promising Collaboration The visiting Canadian delegation, led by Mr. Dave Armbruster (Chairman) and Mr. Phil Harms (CEO) of 4th Resource Corp, presented the company’s vision and technical roadmap...
Post a Comment
Read more

Global Geothermal Insights: An Exclusive Interview with Drilling Engineer Sam Abraham

Global Geothermal Insights: Interview with Sam Abraham the Geothermal Global Technical Advisor at  Halliburton This interview was done by  Robert Buluma on 5th of November 7:30 Am EST At   Alphaxioms , we are committed to uncovering the deeper truths behind geothermal energy , the drilling, the risks, the innovations, and the frontiers. Today we welcome Sam Abraham , a veteran drilling engineer whose global geothermal experience spans more than 25 years. From oil & gas beginnings to geothermal hotspots around the world, Sam shares his journey, insights, and advice for the next generation. Career Journey & Background Sam, could you tell us about your career path and what led you into geothermal drilling? I have a background in oil and gas — seven years since 1991. I served as a base manager in Jakarta for three years, and also worked a little in geothermal alongside oil & gas. In 2005 I moved to New Zealand, given its vast geothermal resources. Fro...
Post a Comment
Read more

Nevada’s Geothermal Lease Sale Breaks Records With Bids Surpassing $400 per Acre

Nevada’s Geothermal Lease Sale Shatters Records: What It Means for the Future of Clean Energy By: Robert Buluma The geothermal industry is entering an exciting new chapter—one defined by bold investments, rising land values, and rapidly advancing technology. The latest lease sale in Nevada is a perfect example. According to industry sources, bids are already surpassing previous records , with some parcels hitting over $400 per acre . This remarkable surge comes just months after earlier records were set, signaling a powerful and accelerating trend. As geothermal development continues to pick up momentum across the western United States, Nevada stands out as one of the most attractive hotspots. The state’s rich geothermal resources, combined with strong policy support and advancements in subsurface imaging, drilling, and reservoir engineering, are creating the perfect environment for developers and investors alike. A Record-Breaking Sale: What Happened? The Bureau of Land Management...
Post a Comment
Read more

Zenith Volts Unveils 1.24GW Off-Grid Data Center in Roswell, Powered by Geothermal Cooling

⚡ Zenith Volts Breaks Ground on 1.24GW Off-Grid Data Center Campus in Roswell, NM By:  Robert Buluma In a bold step toward sustainable, off-grid computing, Zenith Volts has secured planning approval for a massive 8,500-acre data center project in Roswell, New Mexico. The 1.24GW campus, set to be fully operational by November 2027, is designed to power AI, cloud, and high-performance workloads while integrating some of the most advanced energy and cooling solutions in the industry. Powering the Future: Diverse Energy Solutions The Roswell campus is planned as a fully diversified energy ecosystem. On-site solar arrays will provide primary power, while natural gas generators act as backup for reliability. Adding to this is a 250-acre battery energy storage system and modular solar-thermal hybrid setups—designed to balance peak load demands efficiently. But the real game-changer? Geothermal cooling. By tapping into the stable underground temperatures of New Mexico, Zenith aims to dras...
Post a Comment
Read more

🔥 Krafla Magma Testbed: Drilling Into the Earth’s Fiery Heart

Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT) : Humanity’s Bold Leap Into the Heart of the Earth Interview  from Bjorn Gudmundsson the C.E.O-Krafla Magma Testbed and Team By:  Robert Buluma In 2009, deep beneath Iceland’s iconic Krafla volcano, a drilling team made history. During the IDDP-1 project, their drill bit pierced into magma molten rock at just two kilometers below the surface. What began as an accident became a scientific revelation. For the first time, humans had safely accessed magma. This “Eureka” moment gave birth to an idea so daring it almost sounds like science fiction: the creation of a permanent observatory where magma could be directly studied. That idea became the  Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT) a visionary international project that promises to rewrite the future of geothermal science, volcanic monitoring, and sustainable energy. Why Krafla? The Perfect Laboratory Beneath Our Feet Krafla’s  geology is unique. It offers a known shallow magma body, decades of research...
Post a Comment
Read more

OMV Halts Graz Geothermal Project: Lessons for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Heating

OMV Halts Graz Geothermal Project: What It Means for Renewable Energy By:  Robert Buluma OMV cancels its deep geothermal project for Graz district heating, highlighting the risks and lessons for renewable energy projects. Discover what this means for future geothermal initiatives. OMV’s OMV’s Surprising Stop on Graz Geothermal Project Austria’s ambitious geothermal project aimed at supplying half of Graz’s district heating has been abruptly canceled. Initially envisioned as a major step in decarbonizing the city’s heating network, the project faced delays and contractual disagreements that ultimately led OMV to halt the initiative. The decision has sent ripples through the Austrian energy sector, raising questions about governance, risk, and renewable energy planning. The Significance of the Project The canceled geothermal initiative was valued at nearly €0.5 billion and had the potential to transform Graz’s energy landscape. Currently, the city relies on a small fraction ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Quaise Energy Unveils Revolutionary Pure-Energy Drilling — The Future of Geothermal is Here

⚡ Quaise Energy’s Groundbreaking Demo: Drilling with Pure Energy — A Revolution Rooted in MIT Posted by  Robert Buluma — November 2025 In the heart of Marble Falls, Texas, the earth trembled not from an explosion, but from innovation. Quaise Energy — a bold spinout from the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI ) — has just proven the impossible : drilling through granite using pure energy , not physical bits. This September, the company hosted the first of several live public demonstrations of its millimeter-wave drilling system — a technological leap that could redefine the future of geothermal energy. 🔥 The Birth of a Drilling Revolution Quaise’s CEO Carlos Araque calls it “the first drilling innovation in 100 years.” He believes this breakthrough can unlock clean, renewable geothermal power on a scale rivaling fossil fuels . And that’s not hyperbole. With early funding and research support from MITEI , Quaise is turning decades of plasma and fusion science into the key tha...
Post a Comment
Read more