Experts from across Africa gathered in Nairobi for the Kenya Geothermal Congress to strategize on enhancing geothermal energy use on the continent. The two-day meeting, which commenced on Tuesday, aimed to bolster Africa’s renewable energy portfolio through collaborative efforts among policymakers, financiers, and investors.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary at the State Department of Energy, Alex Wachira, highlighted the country’s strides in geothermal energy, noting that Kenya currently produces 985 megawatts (MW) against a potential capacity of 10,000 MW. He identified key drivers for further growth, positioning geothermal energy as pivotal for sustainable green growth in the region. Kenya stands as the sixth-largest global producer of geothermal power.
Investor interest in Kenya’s geothermal sector was underscored by Wachira, citing plans for data centers and manufacturing plants attracted by competitively priced geothermal power.
Joseph Mwangi, overseeing the African Union’s Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility for Eastern Africa (GRMF), emphasized the sector’s role in advancing e-mobility to decarbonize transport. GRMF has already allocated $130 million to fund 40 geothermal projects across Africa.
Gregory Gamula from Malawi’s Electricity Generating Company highlighted Malawi’s ambitions to diversify its energy mix with a planned 10-MW geothermal plant, currently in talks with investors.
Shakiru Idrissa Kajugus, from Tanzania Geothermal Development Company, outlined Tanzania’s goal to operationalize its maiden geothermal power plant by late 2027. He noted the expansive potential of geothermal energy beyond electricity, including applications in industry, agriculture, and tourism.
The congress serves as a critical platform for fostering partnerships and initiatives to harness Africa’s geothermal potential, contributing significantly to the continent’s sustainable energy future.
This gathering underscores Africa’s commitment to leveraging geothermal resources as a cornerstone of its renewable energy strategy, poised to propel economic growth while addressing environmental imperatives.
