KenGen Secures Geothermal Exploration Rights in Zambia and Tanzania

Wedoany.com Report-Mar 27, Kenya’s state-owned power producer KenGen CEO Peter Njenga confirmed that the company has secured geothermal exploration rights in Zambia and Tanzania. This move further strengthens KenGen’s leadership in geothermal growth in East Africa, especially as the company continues exploration and drilling activities in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eswatini.

KenGen drilling rig on site, Tulu Moye, Ethiopia

“We’ve already helped Ethiopia and Djibouti tap into their geothermal potential, and next, we are focusing on Eswatini, which shows significant promise,” said Njenga.

At the local front, KenGen already has an installed geothermal power generation capacity of 754 MWe, mostly concentrated in the Olkaria field. The company had recently announced an initiative to raise Sh 590 billion (approx. USD 4.5 billion) in funding for a 10-year strategy that aims for a total installed capacity of 1500 MW by 2034.

The company is also undertaking expansion of their existing power facilities in Olkaria, notably via the refurbishment of the Olkaria I and IV geothermal power plants. The upgrading of Olkaria I is expected to increase its power generation capacity by 18 MW by 2026.

KenGen’s ambitious diversification strategy seeks to create new revenue streams for the company by offering commercial drilling services, geothermal consulting and other related services across Africa. With presence now in five African countries, KenGen is utilizing its decades of experience and know-how in geothermal to facilitate geothermal growth in the region.