Nairobi: The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is advancing its efforts to widen the scope of geothermal exploration and development in Kenya, aiming to boost the production of electricity through renewable energy sources. GDC Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Busieney, announced significant progress in the company’s renewable energy initiatives, marking a new phase in Kenya’s energy landscape with the commencement of geothermal exploration at the Suswa field in Narok County.
According to Kenya News Agency, this strategic expansion is anticipated to decrease Kenya’s reliance on hydroelectric power-often susceptible to dry weather conditions-and phase out costly fossil-fuel-powered thermal plants. During an address at the Menengai Camp in Nakuru, Busieney confirmed the deployment of drilling rigs to Suswa, which now joins GDC’s active projects in Menengai, Nakuru, and the Paka and Silali fields in Baringo County. Suswa, with a potential capacity of 300 Megawatts, is seen as a pivotal part of Kenya’s strategy to harness its geothermal resources, with detailed surface studies having been completed as early as 2013.
Busieney outlined that GDC’s initial goal is to harness 100 Megawatts from Suswa, with expectations to have the first rig operational by July. Drawing from past experiences in Menengai and Baringo, Busieney expressed confidence in GDC’s capabilities in steam exploration. He emphasized the need for expansion beyond current exploration sites to meet Kenya’s growing demand for clean energy, highlighting Suswa’s advantages in size and accessibility.
The project is set to unfold in three phases, each developing 100 Megawatts, and is expected to be completed in the next three years. Busieney stated that the company is equipped with the necessary team and expertise to forge new paths in geothermal energy, reflecting GDC’s growing technical strength and commitment to staff development.
Kenya boasts some of Africa’s richest geothermal resources, with nearly 1,000 megawatts of installed capacity and an estimated untapped potential of 7,000 to 10,000 megawatts along the Rift Valley. Geothermal power plays a crucial role in Kenya’s clean energy mix, providing stable baseload generation and reducing reliance on both hydropower and fossil fuels. GDC’s mandate includes de-risking early exploration stages and supplying geothermal steam to investors and power producers, laying the groundwork for future energy projects.
The expansion aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy to join the geothermal ‘gigawatt club’ and lower national energy costs through renewable sources. Last year, GDC achieved a significant milestone by striking steam at the Silali field, marking a new frontier in Kenya’s renewable energy landscape. The Baringo-Silali-Paka Geothermal project, including fields like Korosi and Paka, has been a focus area for GDC over the past seven years. The first viable well was struck at the Paka field in 2020, proving the viability of the Silali geothermal field.
GDC plans to develop a total of 300 Megawatts across the Korosi, Paka, and Silali fields as part of the Baringo-Silali-Paka project. The Paka field is expected to start producing the first 100 Megawatts by 2028. GDC is currently conducting feasibility studies and seeking investors for power plant construction.
Busieney noted that the development of geothermal power plants at Menengai and Baringo-Silali Paka will significantly boost GDC’s revenues, with aspirations for financial sustainability by 2029. The Menengai Geothermal Project, with investments from companies like Sosian Energy, Quantum Power East Africa, and OrPowerTwenty Two Company, aims to solidify Kenya’s position as a leader in clean energy development, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by millions of tonnes annually.
