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 ...
In a bold step toward redefining the future of clean energy, Orkuveitan, Iceland’s leading utility company, has announced its next major geothermal milestone — the IDDP-3 superhot drilling project.
Presented by Hera Grímsdóttir, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Orkuveitan, during the Superhot Summit in Reykjavík’s Harpa Conference Center, this initiative marks the dawn of a new era in geothermal energy utilization.
The event, organized by Iceland’s Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson in collaboration with the national energy sector, showcased Iceland’s ambition to fast-track the development of next-generation geothermal systems. A joint declaration of intent was signed between the Ministry and three major energy companies — Landsvirkjun, Orkuveitan, and HS Orka — solidifying their cooperation on the Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP-3).
The Next Frontier: Deep Drilling into the Earth’s Core
In her keynote, Hera Grímsdóttir unveiled Orkuveitan’s vision to begin drilling at Nesjavellir in 2026, near the historic NJ-11 well drilled in 1985. Using cutting-edge technology and working alongside global research partners, the project aims to reach depths of 4–5 kilometers, tapping geothermal fluids at temperatures exceeding 400°C.
> “We intend to drill deeper, harness more energy, and create new opportunities for a sustainable future,” said Hera.
“By accessing energy from deeper, hotter layers of the Earth, we can multiply the output of individual wells, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.”
This transformative approach — known as superhot geothermal — could generate five to ten times more energy than conventional wells, positioning Iceland as a world leader in high-efficiency renewable power.
A Vision Backed by Strong Political and Scientific Will
Minister Jóhannsson emphasized Iceland’s unique opportunity to become a global leader in superhot geothermal utilization.
> “If we can harness geothermal zones exceeding 400°C, we can redefine the economics of clean and secure energy,” he said. “Superhot geothermal can form the foundation for new industries, innovation, and value creation.”
He also revealed that Iceland is developing its first National Geothermal Roadmap, which will guide geothermal development, research, and innovation through 2050 — ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of sustainable energy.
Pioneering Over a Century of Geothermal Excellence
For over 100 years, Orkuveitan has been at the heart of Iceland’s energy story. As a pioneer behind the world’s first large-scale district heating system for Reykjavík, the company has continually evolved to meet the demands of a changing planet. The IDDP-3 project is not just another step forward — it’s a quantum leap in geothermal innovation.
> “We’re building on decades of experience, a strong scientific community, and collaboration with technology partners,” Hera said.
“This isn’t just about Iceland’s energy future — it’s about offering the world a solution to one of its greatest challenges: sustainable, limitless energy.”
As drilling preparations begin, the IDDP-3 project stands as a beacon of hope, ingenuity, and resilience, showcasing how innovation in the geothermal sector can drive the world toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
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Iceland’s Orkuveitan Leads the Charge in Superhot Geothermal Development
Blog Article:
In a bold step toward redefining the future of clean energy, Orkuveitan, Iceland’s leading utility company, has announced its next major geothermal milestone — the IDDP-3 superhot drilling project. Presented by Hera Grímsdóttir, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Orkuveitan, during the Superhot Summit in Reykjavík’s Harpa Conference Center, this initiative marks the dawn of a new era in geothermal energy utilization.
The event, organized by Iceland’s Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson in collaboration with the national energy sector, showcased Iceland’s ambition to fast-track the development of next-generation geothermal systems. A joint declaration of intent was signed between the Ministry and three major energy companies — Landsvirkjun, Orkuveitan, and HS Orka — solidifying their cooperation on the Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP-3).
The Next Frontier: Deep Drilling into the Earth’s Core
In her keynote, Hera Grímsdóttir unveiled Orkuveitan’s vision to begin drilling at Nesjavellir in 2026, near the historic NJ-11 well drilled in 1985. Using cutting-edge technology and working alongside global research partners, the project aims to reach depths of 4–5 kilometers, tapping geothermal fluids at temperatures exceeding 400°C.
> “We intend to drill deeper, harness more energy, and create new opportunities for a sustainable future,” said Hera.
“By accessing energy from deeper, hotter layers of the Earth, we can multiply the output of individual wells, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.”
This transformative approach — known as superhot geothermal — could generate five to ten times more energy than conventional wells, positioning Iceland as a world leader in high-efficiency renewable power.
A Vision Backed by Strong Political and Scientific Will
Minister Jóhannsson emphasized Iceland’s unique opportunity to become a global leader in superhot geothermal utilization.
> “If we can harness geothermal zones exceeding 400°C, we can redefine the economics of clean and secure energy,” he said. “Superhot geothermal can form the foundation for new industries, innovation, and value creation.”
He also revealed that Iceland is developing its first National Geothermal Roadmap, which will guide geothermal development, research, and innovation through 2050 — ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of sustainable energy.
Pioneering Over a Century of Geothermal Excellence
For over 100 years, Orkuveitan has been at the heart of Iceland’s energy story. As a pioneer behind the world’s first large-scale district heating system for Reykjavík, the company has continually evolved to meet the demands of a changing planet. The IDDP-3 project is not just another step forward — it’s a quantum leap in geothermal innovation.
> “We’re building on decades of experience, a strong scientific community, and collaboration with technology partners,” Hera said.
“This isn’t just about Iceland’s energy future — it’s about offering the world a solution to one of its greatest challenges: sustainable, limitless energy.”
As drilling preparations begin, the IDDP-3 project stands as a beacon of hope, ingenuity, and resilience, showcasing how innovation in the geothermal sector can drive the world toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Source: Orkuveitan
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