KenGen Risks Losing Olkaria Wells Over 18-Year Licence Blunder Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) faces a serious legal and operational risk at Olkaria after an error in the coordinates of its geothermal licence left part of the company’s wells, steam infrastructure and other assets outside its legally recognised area. The licensing mistake, made nearly two decades ago, remains unresolved despite the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum acknowledging the problem in 2017. The dispute has raised questions about the security of KenGen’s investments, the government’s management of geothermal resources and the potential consequences for Kenya’s electricity supply. Olkaria is the country’s most important geothermal centre and accounts for the overwhelming majority of Kenya’s installed geothermal generation capacity. Licence Error Exposes Strategic Assets The problem dates back to September 19, 2008, when the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum issued KenGen a licence covering ...
Canada and Tanzania Unite to Unlock Geothermal Energy in Meru: A Powerful Step Toward a Greener Future
In a groundbreaking move set to reshape Tanzania’s energy landscape, Climate Action Africa (CAA) and the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC) have officially launched a game-changing initiative: Undertaking Detailed Surface Study for Meru Geothermal Prospect.
This dynamic collaboration marks the first Climate Action Africa partnership of its kind in Tanzania and holds the promise of transforming the nation’s energy future through geothermal power.
A Vision Born at the Foot of Mount Meru
The Meru Geothermal Prospect, nestled beneath the majestic Mount Meru in Northern Tanzania, is no ordinary site. It is a sleeping giant—an untapped source of clean, renewable, low-emission energy that could power thousands of homes and industries. With the support of the Government of Canada and technical partners like TownRock Energy (UK), Oxfam Consults, and Aquarius Resources, this venture is more than a project—it’s a leap forward in climate resilience and energy independence.
“This technical assistance will significantly contribute to our national efforts to diversify energy sources,” said Mathew Mwangomba, General Manager of TGDC. “It will increase energy security and strengthen our institutional capacity in geothermal development.”
A Bold Response to a Growing Demand
Tanzania’s power demand is surging by 15-20% annually. With a generation mix dominated by hydro (67.4%) and natural gas (29.5%), the need to diversify has never been more urgent. As of April 2025, solar, biomass, and liquid fuels combined contributed just over 3%. Geothermal remains a sleeping potential—yet the country harbors an estimated 5,000MW of geothermal electricity capacity across 52 promising sites.
The Meru initiative represents a strategic shift. It’s a chance to reduce overreliance on rain-dependent hydro, and to embrace geothermal—a stable, 24/7 energy source with low carbon footprints.
Not Just Energy—It’s Empowerment
What sets this initiative apart is its deep commitment to inclusive, sustainable development. Alongside technical studies, TGDC staff will receive specialized training in surface exploration and geothermal planning, strengthening homegrown expertise. Local communities and Indigenous peoples will be engaged from the outset, ensuring the project is guided by those it will impact most.
“This collaboration reflects a milestone in climate resilience, sustainable development, and inclusive, locally driven solutions,” remarked Jaime Webbe, Project Director for Climate Action Africa.
Geothermal Champions on the Ground
Leading the technical charge are some of the best in the business:
- TownRock Energy (TRE): UK-based geothermal trailblazers supporting the entire project lifecycle.
- Aquarius Resources: Providing hydrogeological and geochemical expertise crucial for geothermal characterization.
- Oxfam Consults: Ensuring equity, gender responsiveness, and Indigenous engagement are not afterthoughts, but guiding principles.
David Townsend, CEO of TownRock Energy, captured the excitement: “Our team of geothermal experts is delighted to support CAA and TGDC in this pioneering endeavor.”
Geothermal: Tanzania’s Energy Game Changer
TGDC, a fully government-owned subsidiary of TANESCO, is already advancing geothermal projects in Ngozi, Kiejo-Mbaka, Natron, Songwe, and Luhoi. The Meru prospect adds another high-potential site to this list—one that could soon become a flagship example of geothermal power success in East Africa.
With strong backing from Canada through Global Affairs Canada and on-the-ground implementation by Alinea International, Econoler, and WSP, this initiative is more than just a feasibility study. It’s a signal to the world that Tanzania is serious about sustainable energy—and that geothermal is ready to rise.
A New Dawn for Renewable Energy in Africa
As climate pressures intensify and fossil fuel volatility threatens economies, Tanzania's geothermal push couldn’t be more timely. This project is a clarion call for more development partners to rally behind the promise of geothermal. It’s also a chance to redefine energy development in Africa—where local expertise, community voice, and international cooperation come together for shared success.
For Tanzania, the path to a greener, more resilient energy future might just begin in the steaming soils of Meru.
Stay tuned. The heat beneath Mount Meru is just beginning to rise.
Related: Meru Geothermal Energy Surface Studies RFP
Article by Alphaxioms | Spotlighting African Energy Transitions
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Source: Climate Action Africa
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