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 ...
Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) Charges Ahead with Major Lithium and Power Milestones at the Hell's Kitchen Project
By: Robert Buluma
In the heart of California’s Salton Sea, momentum continues to build around what could become one of the most significant clean energy and battery-grade lithium projects in the world. Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) has just unveiled a major project update, underscoring the rapid development of its integrated lithium and renewable power facility — the Hell’s Kitchen Lithium and Power Project.
A Project of Global Importance
The Hell's Kitchen Project is no ordinary development. It represents a world-first in co-producing battery-grade lithium and baseload renewable power from the same geothermal brine source — a truly circular, zero-waste solution. As global demand for electric vehicles, battery storage, and clean energy skyrockets, CTR’s project stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability.
Progress on All Fronts
CTR’s latest update highlights significant progress in site development and infrastructure at Hell’s Kitchen. Civil works and site preparations are visibly advancing, with equipment mobilized and early construction activities well underway.
The project’s integrated nature — combining a lithium extraction facility with a 50MW geothermal power plant — not only ensures a consistent energy supply for operations but also drastically lowers the carbon footprint of lithium production. This contrasts sharply with traditional hard rock or evaporative pond methods.

A Game Changer for the EV Supply Chain
As automakers and battery manufacturers scramble to secure domestic, low-carbon lithium sources, CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen Project emerges as a strategic solution. With offtake agreements and strategic partnerships already in place, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the United States’ battery supply chain resilience.
Looking Ahead
Controlled Thermal Resources is not just building a facility — it is reshaping the future of critical mineral extraction. As development continues and milestones are reached, the world watches closely.
The road to decarbonization requires bold solutions, and CTR is delivering just that — one megawatt and one lithium molecule at a time.
Source: Controlled Thermal Resources



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