Nakuru: The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is set to expand its research and innovation on direct uses of geothermal energy, aiming to bolster community and national economic development. This commitment was announced by GDC’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Ngugi, with a particular focus on the versatile and prolific uses of geothermal energy beyond electricity generation.
According to Kenya News Agency, GDC is running four pilot projects in the Menengai Crater, utilizing geothermal steam for various purposes, including heating fish ponds and greenhouses and operating milk pasteurization and laundry industries. He emphasized the abundant potential of geothermal energy in Kenya, noting its sustainability, reliability, and affordability, as well as the country’s rich expertise in this field.
In a significant development, GDC has signed a 25-year agreement with cement manufacturer Karsan Ramji and Sons Limited, promising to supply 40 tons per hour of geothermal steam for power generation and drying during cement production. This partnership is expected to significantly reduce production costs and marks a shift from conventional power generation to a more sustainable approach.
Mr. Ngugi highlighted the financial and environmental benefits of this partnership, noting that it would enhance the credibility and accountability of the profession and foster trust among the public and stakeholders. He also mentioned that geothermal generation accounts for 48 percent of the power on the national grid, with GDC contributing 35 Megawatts.
The GDC Board Chairman, Mr. Walter Osebe Nyambati, expressed his views on the deal, stating that it would enhance Kenya’s competitiveness as an investment destination. He stressed the need for more aggressive consideration of geothermal energy by policymakers, investors, academia, and financiers.
Mr. Nyambati also discussed GDC’s innovative projects to utilize the 80 percent of heat from steam typically wasted in electricity generation. These projects include establishing geothermal resource heat parks in partnership with the county governments of Nakuru and Baringo, aiming to attract investors in the manufacturing sector.
Chief Executive Officer of Karsan and Ramji Sons Limited, Mr. Kishor Varsani, commented on the importance of clean and renewable energy transitions in achieving net-zero emissions and adapting to sustainable livelihoods. Dr. George Muya, Director of Operations at Karsan and Ramji Sons Limited, added that the firm will install a 4-Megawatt power plant in Nakuru using steam supplied by GDC, aligning with the firm’s three-year plan to transition fully to clean and renewable energy.