Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has embarked on a significant geoscientific study to assess the potential for a Ksh 250 million geothermal power project in Eswatini, marking another milestone in Kenya’s growing role as a leader in Africa’s renewable energy sector. The company, renowned for its geothermal expertise, is carrying out these studies to determine the feasibility of establishing a geothermal power plant in the Southern African nation. The comprehensive studies are expected to be completed within a few months, after which a decision on the next steps for the project will be made.
KenGen’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Njenga, expressed the company’s long-term vision for expanding its footprint beyond Kenya. Njenga emphasized the importance of leveraging the company’s geothermal expertise to foster sustainable development across the continent. “Our strategic focus is on expanding our footprint beyond Kenya and leveraging our geothermal expertise to foster sustainable development across the continent. This partnership with Eswatini marks another significant step in our mission to support Africa’s renewable energy ambitions and mitigate the effects of climate change,” Njenga said.
This new initiative is part of Eswatini’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on non-renewable sources. In early 2024, KenGen signed a contract with Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) to develop a geothermal power plant as part of the country’s plan to harness renewable energy to fuel its economic growth. Eswatini, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa, is eager to tap into its geothermal potential as a reliable, sustainable energy source.
The geothermal development project aligns with Eswatini’s goal to address energy security challenges while ensuring environmental sustainability. The country currently faces an energy supply deficit, with an electricity demand of approximately 234 MW and an installed capacity of just 71 MW. By investing in geothermal energy, Eswatini aims to enhance its renewable energy portfolio and boost its baseload capacity, making it less reliant on fossil fuels and reducing its carbon footprint.
KenGen, which is at the forefront of geothermal energy production in Kenya and Africa, sees this project as a strategic move to broaden its consultancy and service offerings across the continent. The company’s geothermal success story in Kenya has made it an attractive partner for nations seeking to exploit their geothermal resources. With its installed geothermal capacity of 754 MW, Kenya remains the leading geothermal energy producer in Africa and ranks among the top 10 globally.
This project also presents KenGen with an opportunity to diversify its revenue streams by offering geothermal consultancy and other related services. Njenga highlighted the long-term benefits of this partnership, saying, “I am optimistic that our geoscientific studies will confirm the viability of Eswatini’s geothermal resources, enabling the country to increase its renewable energy portfolio and enhance its baseload capacity.”
Frank Konuche, the Chairman of KenGen’s Board, described the partnership as a strategic move by Eswatini to tap into its natural resources. Konuche also pointed out that the project reinforces KenGen’s role as a key player in geothermal development across Africa, building on the company’s successful ventures in countries such as Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.
KenGen’s expertise in geothermal energy has already contributed significantly to the company’s growth and Africa’s renewable energy goals. The firm has been instrumental in the development of geothermal plants in Kenya and is now expanding its influence across the continent. With the increasing demand for clean energy and the growing recognition of the importance of geothermal power, KenGen’s role in driving Africa’s sustainable energy future is becoming more pivotal.
The Eswatini geothermal project not only underscores the growing influence of KenGen in Africa’s renewable energy landscape but also highlights the continent’s potential to harness its vast geothermal resources for sustainable development. As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources to mitigate the effects of climate change, KenGen is positioning itself as a key partner in this global shift, demonstrating its commitment to supporting Africa’s energy transition.
