Energy boost as GDC strikes steam in Baringo : The Standard

Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has struck steam at the Baringo-Silali Geothermal Project. This marks a major milestone in opening up a new frontier of renewable energy for Kenya. The new well at Paka field is the first to be drilled in the geothermal rich region. The success, barely two years after work began in the field, is a major boost in GDC’s quest to provide Kenya with affordable and reliable energy. Other geothermal fields are in Olkaria and Menengai.

SEE ALSO :GDC drills first well in Paka Hills, Baringo County

“This is an exciting time for GDC and Kenya. It has proved the viability of the Paka geothermal field... also ushering Kenya into an age of vibrant geothermal energy,” said the GDC Chief Executive Johnson Ole Nchoe. The first phase of the Baringo-Silali project targets to develop 300MW spread in three geothermal areas of Korosi, Paka and Silali. “Our commitment is to ensure timely delivery of renewable energy projects that will greatly support the country’s development vision,” Eng Nchoe said in an interview.

For More of This and Other Stories, Grab Your Copy of the Standard Newspaper.

He noted that all major economies thrive because of access to abundant energy. Geothermal, he noted, will power Kenya into a vibrant future of great industrial and social development. To witness the discharging of the well was a delegation from the project financiers, KfW of Germany that was also on a project inspection mission. “The success of the drilling of the well is exciting. Paka is no longer a prospect but a field.  We will continue to support GDC in the drilling operations to ensure that Kenya harnesses her geothermal energy which is in plenty,” said Wisely Vargas, the KfW senior technical expert for geothermal. KfW has financed steam field development for about 300MW and GDC will provide counterpart funding. The financing also includes roads and water reticulation system for drilling operations.

We are undertaking a survey to help us improve our content for you. This will only take 1 minute of your time, please give us your feedback by clicking HERE. All responses will be confidential.

Related Topics

Geothermal Development CompanyGDCBaringo-Silali Geothermal Project