Unlocking the Impermeable Reservoir: Lessons from a 30-Year Reservoir Engineer An Alphaxioms interview with Richard Joseph Holt, Principal Consultant in Reservoir Engineering at RESPEC . Context: Menengai East and Olkaria Central. Every geothermal developer knows the moment. The rig is gone and the money is spent. The well is drilled to depth, the temperature is there, and then the well will not flow. The heat is real, but the connection between the well and the reservoir is not. Wells like this sit at the centre of one of the most important questions in geothermal development: what do you do with a tight reservoir? Walk away and drill again, or find a way to unlock what is already there? To explore the question, Alphaxioms spoke with Richard Joseph Holt, Principal Consultant in Reservoir Engineering at RESPEC . Richard brings 30 years of global experience in geothermal energy. We framed our questions around two settings, Menengai East and Olkaria Central, and asked him how ...
Kenya Powers Up with 53 MW of Clean Geothermal Energy from Olkaria I Date: September 20, 2025 By: Robert Buluma Kenya is taking a bold step toward a greener and more sustainable future with the exciting expansion of the Olkaria I geothermal plant! 🌍⚡ Did you know that this powerhouse is set to inject an additional 53 MW of clean, renewable energy into the national grid? This move strengthens Kenya’s position as a leader in geothermal energy in Africa and brings affordable electricity to homes and businesses across the country. A Boost for Kenya’s Energy Grid The Olkaria I geothermal plant, a key player in Kenya’s renewable energy landscape, is currently undergoing an ambitious expansion. Originally generating 45 MW, the plant is being upgraded to produce a whopping 63 MW of electricity. This additional capacity will significantly enhance the country’s energy supply, ensuring more reliable and eco-friendly power for all. Geothermal energy is a game-changer because it’s not o...