Wedoany.com Report-Jun 22, Rehabilitation work on Kenya's Olkaria I geothermal power plant has reached 70% completion, with commissioning of the first turbine scheduled for June 2026. The update was shared by KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, during the Africa Energy Forum held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Olkaria geothermal plant, Naivasha, Kenya

Olkaria I, the country’s oldest geothermal power facility, was shut down in 2023 to begin refurbishment. In 2024, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions (Toshiba ESS) was awarded the contract to supply new steam turbines and generators for Units 1 to 3. The rehabilitation will upgrade the plant’s total capacity from 45 MW to 63 MW.

Njenga confirmed that the steam turbines and generators for Units 2 and 3 have already arrived at the project site. The remaining equipment for Unit 1 has been dispatched and is currently in transit. All critical components are expected to be delivered by the end of this month. In addition, several other major components have arrived and are being installed on site.

“We have a large team of 928 people including elite project engineers, technicians, foremen, artisans, and general workers, led by the General Manager, Business Development & Strategy, Elizabeth Njenga and the Design and Construction Manager, Eng. Isaack Maina working day and night to deliver the project ahead of time and on budget,” said Njenga.

The modernization of Olkaria I is a key step in Kenya’s energy strategy, aimed at transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2030. Once completed, the upgraded facility will also contribute to the country’s goal of joining the group of nations with over 1 GW of installed geothermal capacity.

Kenya continues to invest in geothermal energy as a reliable and sustainable power source. The Olkaria geothermal field, located in the Rift Valley, is among the most significant geothermal resources in Africa. The rehabilitation of Olkaria I is expected to enhance both the efficiency and output of the plant, supporting national energy needs and environmental targets.