Kenya’s commitment to achieving universal access to green energy has received a significant boost with the groundbreaking ceremony for the 35-megawatt (MW) Orpower 22 Geothermal Power Plant in Nakuru County. This project, valued at approximately $90 million and expected to be completed within 17 months, aims to enhance Kenya’s green energy transition, promote climate resilience, and stimulate economic growth. The ceremony was presided over by Kenyan President William Ruto, underscoring the importance of this initiative in the country’s energy landscape.
The Orpower 22 Geothermal Power Plant will be developed through a public-private partnership model, with the Kaishan Group Co. Ltd, a prominent global company headquartered in Shanghai, China, leading the construction efforts. President Ruto emphasized that this project is a testament to Kenya’s dedication to achieving a national electricity grid that is entirely green by 2030, while also unlocking the country’s vast geothermal potential to drive sustainable economic development.
Currently, Kenya has harnessed only 950 MW of its estimated 10,000 MW geothermal potential, and Ruto highlighted that investments from companies like the Kaishan Group are essential for the sustainable exploitation of this clean energy source. As the sixth-largest geothermal power producer globally, geothermal energy already constitutes over 50 percent of Kenya’s national power mix, demonstrating the significant role it plays in the country’s energy strategy.
With the completion of the Orpower 22 Geothermal Power Plant, Kenya is poised to elevate its global ranking to fifth in geothermal power production. This milestone will not only contribute to a greener energy landscape but also ensure that the country’s economic development remains inclusive and sustainable.
Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to decarbonizing the national grid and accelerating progress towards net-zero targets. The government is implementing progressive regulatory frameworks and targeted investments to support this vision, positioning the nation as a leader in renewable energy in Africa and beyond.
As Kenya continues to pursue its green energy goals, the Orpower 22 Geothermal Power Plant represents a crucial step toward achieving a sustainable and resilient energy future for the country and its citizens.
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