Silverio Omari
President William Ruto has called on investors to seize the significant geothermal opportunities available in Kenya.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for the 35 Mega Watts Orpower 22 Power Plant in Menengai, Nakuru County, Ruto highlighted that Kenya has harnessed less than 10% of its geothermal production capacity. The country boasts a total capacity of 10,000 MW but has only tapped into 950 MW so far, leaving a vast potential still unexploited.
“I urge investors to recognize the immense opportunities within Kenya’s geothermal resources. We have only scratched the surface, utilizing less than 10%, which means there is still a remarkable 90% waiting to be developed. The government of Kenya is ready and eager to partner with the private sector to unlock this potential,” Ruto stated.
He encouraged investors to act swiftly in exploring these opportunities. Despite having utilized a fraction of its geothermal capacity, Kenya ranks as the sixth-largest geothermal power producer globally.
“The private sector is invited to fully capitalize on this and to act decisively and swiftly, even though we have yet to realize our full geothermal energy potential. Companies like Orpower Twenty-Two demonstrate the benefits of government-private sector collaboration in attracting foreign direct investment and creating jobs for our citizens,” Ruto emphasized.
He also noted that once operational, the Menengai plant will produce affordable power at Sh8 per kWh, significantly lower than the costs associated with fossil fuel alternatives.
With rising fuel prices and the escalating threats of climate change, Ruto asserted that renewable energy represents an efficient and sustainable investment. “Given the ongoing increase in fossil fuel prices and the pressing challenge of climate change, investing in renewable energy is both prudent and sustainable. This is exactly what we are achieving through geothermal energy.”
Dj Vnyash
