NAIROBI: Kenya’s electricity producer, Kengen, is planning to add 700 MW generating capacity in three years, the company’s CEO Albert Mugo told local daily The Star. The new capacity will come on top of the 280 MW projects at the Olkaria geothermal plant.
Speaking to the Star after a two-day workshop in Naivasha on Friday, Mugo said the company is fast-tracking projects to increase power production. Kengen has identified power sources in Olkaria with a potential of producing 1,000 MW, but only 440 MW has been developed so far.
The CEO noted the company will partner with the private sector to finance the Olkaria VI projects where Kengen is already sinking a well. “The first step is to send expression of interest invites from potential bidders then issue a request for proposal for those who offer the best value,” Mugo said.
Kengen, which is currently the only wind power producer in Kenya with its 25 MW wind farm at Ngong Hills near Nairobi, plans to further expand its wind generation capacity as well.
“We plan to develop another 100 MW of wind power by 2018 in Meru. We have signed a memorandum of understanding with the county government for a phased development of 400 MW wind power,” Mugo said.
