Olkaria I geothermal power station in Naivasha, Kenya has recently undergone a temporary shutdown as part of its comprehensive two-year rehabilitation program. This redevelopment initiative aims to enhance the power plant's efficiency and increase its installed capacity from the existing 45 MW to a robust 63 MW by introducing advanced turbine technology.
The plans for the revitalization of Olkaria I, as well as Olkaria IV, were initially announced towards the end of 2022. In a significant development earlier this year, the European Union (EU) provided financial backing to KenGen for this ambitious refurbishment project. Notably, Olkaria I holds the distinction of being the oldest geothermal power station in Kenya.
Peketsa Mangi, the general manager of Kengen's geothermal development, expressed optimism regarding the future prospects of Olkaria I following its temporary closure. Mangi elaborated on the situation, emphasizing that the power deficit resulting from the shutdown would be compensated for by the operational Olkaria I Unit 6 power plant, which has an impressive capacity of 86 MW and commenced operations in July 2022.
Mangi also unveiled plans for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Geothermal Training Center, which will offer renewable energy training starting from next year. Supported by a substantial investment of USD 2.8 million from the World Bank, this multimillion-dollar center aims to attract students from Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, thereby fostering regional knowledge exchange and capacity building in the field of renewable energy.
Furthermore, the recent visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the Olkaria geothermal fields has proven to be a significant milestone. Chancellor Scholz pledged Germany's commitment to provide financial aid and technical assistance for the capacity expansion endeavors in Olkaria, further underscoring the international support and recognition garnered by this vital energy project.
With these strategic developments and substantial investments, Olkaria I is poised to make a remarkable comeback, emerging even stronger than before. The efforts to upgrade and expand its capacity, coupled with international collaborations, signify a notable stride towards sustainable energy generation and a promising future for geothermal power in Kenya.
