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Amidst low rainfall inflicting decreased hydropower output, KenGen is pivoting their technique to give attention to development of put in geothermal energy technology capability.
KenGen has introduced a revamped plan to generate extra electrical energy from geothermal energy vegetation within the face of low water inflows being skilled at their giant hydropower stations.
The Masinga Dam, Kenya’s largest hydropower dam, recorded a water stage of 1039.42 mASL as of 6 November 2023. That is solely barely above the minimal working stage of 1037 mASL, having obtained solely 7.5 millimeters of rain within the final 24 hours.
KenGen boasts a various power portfolio together with, geothermal, hydro, wind, and thermal, including as much as 1,904MW of which 86% is drawn from renewable sources.
In accordance with a each day electrical energy dispatch report by KenGen, the big hydroelectric energy stations within the nation have been solely capable of obtain 471MW at their peak over the previous 24 hours, regardless of having a most capability of 626 MW.
“Regardless of the continued rains in most components of the nation, we’re receiving very low inflows at our dams on the Seven Forks, situated alongside the Tana River,” mentioned KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga. “This poor hydrology implies that we now have to show to a different supply to fulfill the rising demand for electrical energy within the nation.”
“One of many giant energy stations, Masinga, has been shut down most days of November as a part of our ongoing water administration program to make sure we’re capable of meet the power calls for for the longest length doable,” added Njenga.
KenGen made the shift to its present geothermal-led technique following repeated failure of hydro technology over time. This poor hydrology is attributed to local weather change, characterised by unpredictable rainfall patterns, making it tough to plan and implement a sustainable water administration program within the giant dams. This has helped stabilize electrical energy provide to Kenyans, regardless of the numerous drop in rainfall ranges over the previous few years.
Njega additional acknowledged that KenGen goals to amass extra geothermal drilling licenses within the Nice Rift Valley to additional enhance the corporate’s geothermal energy technology capability. The corporate has already undertaken growth efforts of its present geothermal energy services in Olkaria.
Supply: KenGen