ALPHAXIOMS Geothermal News & Energy Research

Milestone Alert: Kaishan Group's KK01 Geothermal Power Plant in Kenya Completes All Tests – Set for Commercial Operations (COD)! Posted by: Alphaxioms Geothermal News   Date:March 6, 2026 Kenya's geothermal sector has achieved yet another significant milestone in the push for clean, reliable, and sustainable energy. On March 5, 2026, Kaishan Group Co., Ltd.(开山集团), a leading Chinese innovator in geothermal technology, proudly announced the successful completion of all independent third-party witnessed tests for their fully owned and operated KK01 (Kaishan Kenya 01) geothermal power station. Located in the prolific Menengai geothermal field in Nakuru County, this 35 MW net capacity plant has now cleared every hurdle, including a rigorous 30-day stability run that began on February 2. With all performance parameters meeting or surpassing design expectations, the independent engineer is poised to issue the final certificate and notify Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), marki...

Kenya’s geothermal sector stands at a pivotal crossroads in 2026, blending rapid expansion, legal scrutiny, fresh exploration, and bold affordability measures.  By: Robert Buluma Image: Trucks are flagged for Suswa Geothermal Block As Africa’s geothermal leader, Kenya harnesses the Rift Valley’s heat to deliver reliable, clean baseload power that stabilizes the grid amid fluctuating hydro and costly thermal backups. Today, the narrative unfolds across Menengai’s maturing projects, Suswa’s exciting new frontier, courtroom challenges, and policy reforms aimed at cheaper electricity for all. Menengai: From Vision to Reality with Turbulence The Menengai field in Nakuru County exemplifies Kenya’s innovative de-risking model. The Geothermal Development Company (GDC ) drills high-risk wells and confirms steam resources, then invites private independent power producers (IPPs) to build plants and purchase steam. This approach accelerates investment by removing the biggest uncertainty. Three...

The African Development Bank has approved a transformative $16.5 million loan to accelerate Kenya’s clean energy transition. By: Robert Buluma This funding will drive the construction of the 35 MW OrPower Twenty-Two ( OTTL ) Geothermal Power Plant in the Menengai geothermal field—a flagship renewable energy project set to deliver reliable, affordable, zero-emission baseload power straight into the national grid. Nestled in Kenya’s dramatic Rift Valley, north of Nakuru Town and about 180 km northwest of Nairobi, the Menengai geothermal field taps into one of the continent’s most promising sources of clean, sustainable energy. By harnessing the Earth’s natural heat deep underground, this project helps break Kenya’s dependence on expensive and polluting diesel generators. The OrPower Twenty-Two plant will be the third 35 MW facility in the Menengai field, complementing the already operational Sosian Menengai Geothermal plant and the under-construction Globeleq Menengai project (also supp...

Chinese-Funded 35MW Geothermal Plant: A Leap Toward Clean Energy Access in Kenya By:  Robert Buluma In a historic moment underscoring Kenya's commitment to sustainable energy, Kenyan President William Ruto fired up a bulldozer on October 24, 2024, to break ground for a new 35-megawatt geothermal power plant in Nakuru County. This $90 million project, dubbed the Orpower 22 Geothermal Power Plant, is set to fuel Kenya’s drive towards a greener future and unlock vast potential for clean energy in the region. The plant, which will be constructed through a partnership between Kenya and the Chinese-based Kaishan Group Co. Ltd., is a landmark in Kenya’s journey to achieving a 100% green national electricity grid by 2030. This bold project is not just a milestone for clean energy but also a powerful testament to Kenya's role as a leader in Africa’s green revolution. A Visionary Partnership for a Greener Kenya This groundbreaking endeavor is only possible thanks to Kenya’s supportive bu...

Geothermal Gold: Kenya's Renewable Revolution Alphaxioms has been Nominated by Total Energies In The Startupper of the year Challenge and your support inform of a like is making a difference, please vote By:  Teflon Don In the heart of Kenya's Rift Valley, a revolution is taking shape, transforming the landscape and the future of energy in Africa. The Sosian-Menengai geothermal project, a beacon of innovation and sustainability, is set to redefine Kenya's energy production with a 35-megawatt geothermal power plant, bolstered by a $68 million investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). Geothermal energy, often overshadowed by solar and wind, is emerging as a formidable player in the renewable energy sector. Unlike its more temperamental counterparts, geothermal energy offers a constant, reliable power source, tapping into the Earth’s natural heat to generate electricity around the clock. For Kenya, a country blessed with a rich geothermal potential, this ...

Harnessing the Earth's Heat: An Opportunity to Shape Kenya's Energy sector  Image: Steam Gushing Out Of A Menengai Geothermal Field, Lovely, Lovely Indeed Alphaxioms has been Nominated by Total Energies in the Startupper of the Year Challenge and Your Vote is of impact, Kindly support us Kenya's Menengai Geothermal Field in Nakuru is set to become a beacon of sustainable energy with the latest call from the Geothermal Development Company (GDC). They are seeking an independent power producer (IPP) to construct wellhead power plants with a capacity of up to 10 MW. This tender, based on a Build, Own, Operate (BOO) model, represents a significant stride towards the nation’s commitment to renewable energy. But what exactly is a geothermal wellhead, and why is it crucial for Kenya’s energy landscape? Understanding Geothermal Wellheads A geothermal wellhead is a critical component in geothermal energy production. It serves as the surface termination of a geothermal well, where the...

GRMF HEAT – Promoting Geothermal Direct Use in East Africa By  Alphaxioms The Regional Geothermal Coordination Unit (RGCU), acting as the managing team for the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF), is excited to announce the successful conclusion of the first GRMF HEAT application round. Launched in December 2022, the GRMF HEAT program aims to provide funding for Surface Studies, including Feasibility studies, for geothermal direct use applications in eligible countries. Out of ten full applications received, five projects have been awarded grant contracts, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of geothermal direct use in East Africa. These awarded projects, located in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, cover a diverse range of applications, including crop drying, milk pasteurization, aquaculture, and industrial brewery processes. Notably, the Gisenyi project in Rwanda represents the first GRMF-funded initiative in the country, signaling a promising start for geothermal ...

 Bringing Sustainable Energy to Kenya: Globeleq's 35 MW Geothermal Power Project in Menengai In a significant stride towards sustainable energy development in Kenya, Globeleq, a leading independent power producer, is set to embark on a groundbreaking 35 MW geothermal power project in Menengai. With the project slated to commence construction next week, the collaboration between Globeleq and its partners marks a pivotal moment in Kenya's renewable energy journey. Mobilization of Construction Teams and Commencement of Civil Works Globeleq has joined forces with prominent EPC contractors, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO Kenya Limited, to kickstart the mobilization of construction teams. The commencement of civil works signals the beginning of a transformative phase for the Menengai region and the broader Kenyan energy landscape. Timeline and Project Scope The construction phase is estimated to span 23 months, with full operation expected to commence around the quarter of 2025. ...