Amidst low rainfall inflicting lowered hydropower output, KenGen is pivoting their technique to deal with progress 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 degree of 1039.42 mASL as of 6 November 2023. That is solely barely above the minimal working degree of 1037 mASL, having acquired solely 7.5 millimeters of rain within the final 24 hours.
KenGen boasts a various vitality portfolio together with, geothermal, hydro, wind, and thermal, including as much as 1,904MW of which 86% is drawn from renewable sources.
In keeping with a every day electrical energy dispatch report by KenGen, the massive hydroelectric energy stations within the nation had 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 continuing rains in most components of the nation, we’re receiving very low inflows at our dams on the Seven Forks, positioned alongside the Tana River,” stated 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 vitality calls for for the longest period 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 troublesome 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 accumulate extra geothermal drilling licenses within the Nice Rift Valley to additional improve the corporate’s geothermal energy technology capability. The corporate has already undertaken enlargement efforts of its current geothermal energy services in Olkaria.
Supply: KenGen
