Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS), has secured a deal to supply key equipment for a geothermal power plant revamp in Kenya. SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd. placed the order for steam turbines and generators destined for the Olkaria I geothermal power plant’s Units 1 through 3.
Olkaria I geothermal power plant has been in commercial operation since 1981. This aging facility currently produces 45MW of power. However, units 1 to 3 of the Olkaria I plant are showing their age necessitating upgrades. During the supplier evaluation stage, Toshiba ESS impressed Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) with their efficient steam turbines and generators. Furthermore, Toshiba ESS has previously provided geothermal power generation systems in Kenya and other East African countries.
Installation of the new components will boost the output of each unit from 15 MW to 21 MW, allowing them to generate more electricity while using less geothermal steam. The equipment from Toshiba ESS is expected to be delivered to the Kenyan site in Naivasha by December 2025.
Shinya Fujitsuka, Director and Vice President of the Power Systems Division at Toshiba ESS, said, “I’m pleased that we can contribute to energy stability in Kenya by providing our equipment and services. Toshiba ESS will continue to provide optimal products and solutions to meet customer needs through its lineup of small to large geothermal steam turbines and generators with power outputs ranging from 1 MW to 200 MW,”.
Kenya has a total installed capacity of 943.7 MW of Geothermal power. This accounts for 27.04% of the country’s total installed capacity according to the latest report from Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
In total, 79.56% of electricity generated in the country is from renewable energy sources. Kenya’s Vision 2030, has set the goal of achieving 100% reliance on green energy by the year 2030.
