M a r k e t N e w s
Kenya & Botswana Seeks to Collaborate on Green Energy Exploration
Posted on : Tuesday, 20th August 2019
Kenya is eager to collaborate with Botswana in exploration and production of more green energy to witness the increasing demand for electricity, said an energy official.
The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), CEO, Rebecca Miano, said that the power producer was prepared and keen to offer Botswana expertise in various sectors of electricity production.
“Kengen has 310 drilled wells producing 690MW from geothermal so far and this will boost by an extra 165MW," Miano said in Naivasha, about 90 km northwest of Nairobi during a tour of geothermal projects by meeting Botswana President Eric Mokgweetsi Masisi.
KenGen plans to strengthen and expand oil and mining in the near future, says Miano, taking into considration that the company had considerable wealth of experience and expertise in renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind and geothermal power.
She said the visit by the Botswana president go along with the firm's long-term plan of action which included the development of regional partnerships.
Adding further she said Kenya is Africa's number one geothermal energy producer and is among the top 10 in the world. Presently this potential is being harnessed in Olkaria, Menengai and Eburru fields.
70 percent of Kenya's installed electricity is derived from renewable sources, which is more than thrice the global average.
Speaking during the visit, President Masisi praised KenGen for the contribution it had made towards securing Kenya's energy.
He considered geothermal, being one of the sources of renewable energy, was the best option at a time when the world was confronted with the effects of climate change.
"This is an eye opener for many countries in the region and we should do in distance with the current competition along borders and seek a common regulator for electricity," he said.
The Botswana president added that his country was keen to learn and corroborate with Kenya in electricity production and supply as currently the former was yet to attain its power demand.
According to him, Botswana relied on solar power, adding that 62 percent of locals in the Southern Africa country were connected to electricity.
"Botswana has great potential of solar energy and we are keen to work with Kenya in exploration of more green energy," he said.
Source : www.expogr.com
