1,300MW electricity plan stepped up

Kenya has stepped up plans to produce over 1,300MW of geothermal power in the next seven years to stem its overreliance on hydro and thermal sources of energy. Through its main power generator Kengen, Kenya has drawn an ambitious plan that targets production of more than half of its total power from geothermal sources by 2018 and, in the process, phase out its longtime dependence on thermal power and the not-so-reliable hydro and wind power.  “The company is deliberately pursuing a green energy strategy to cushion Kenyans from weather-induced power shortages and high power prices associated with the rising global oil prices, while assuring availability of adequate electric power for development” said Kengen managing director Eddy Njoroge. The company has earmarked a total 3,189MW to the national grid over the period, a challenge that requires expansion of geothermal plants and building of new ones and also investing more in wind and hydro power. Geothermal sources will contribute 49 per cent (about 1,500MW) with dependence on thermal electricity significantly dropping. read on: http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Kenya+steps+up+its+1+300MW+electricity+plan+/-/2560/1260310/-/25r8j1z/-/