India eyeing $200 million geothermal investment in Nakuru and Baringo, Kenya
Valley view at Suswa, Kenya (source: flickr/ Wajahat Mahmood, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
8 Şub 2016
The government of India has earmarked up to $200 million for the Suswa and Silalia-Bogoria geothermal projects of GDC in Nakuru and Baringo counties in Kenya.
Reported this morning from Kenya, the Government of India is planning to invest US$200 million in geothermal power production in Nakuru and Baringo counties through the Line Credit Initiative, one of the Government of India development assistance instruments.
During a recent visit to Nakuru County in Kenya, Suchitra Durai, India High Commissioner to Kenya talked about India’s investments in many projects in Africa.
‘GDC has geothermal projects in Suswa (Nakuru) and Baringo (Silali-Bogoria), we are planning to invest in this and we are at the moment in discussions with GDC. Studies have been done by Indian companies and these have been examined by our Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. There were some clarifications that we wanted and that is why I have come to see the projects in Menengai and Olkaria geothermal complexes’, said Suchitra.
She added they have been in discussion with GDC for more than a year and now that the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a line of credit for projects all over Africa they would like to take it forwards as they would like Kenya to benefit with some projects.
DG Rutto welcomed the Indian investment in geothermal energy in the county saying it will bring development not only to Nakuru but also to the entire nation at large.
Rutto added the county government of Nakuru works closely with the Indian community in the county as they immensely contribute in the growth of Nakuru having heavily invested in several sectors.
The acting managing director and chief executive GDC Paul Ngugi said the financing by the Indian government will facilitate drilling in Suswa and Silali-Bogoria.
‘The financing will mainly provide drilling materials such as casings, rock bits and valves for well head equipment. Part of Suswa is in Nakuru and Silali-Bogoria is in Baringo County’, said Ngigi.
On the direct steam energy use innovations at Menengai Geothermal Complex, Ngugi said they are a demonstration of making people understand the benefits of geothermal beyond electricity.
He hinted that soon, GDC will seek the cooperation of the County Government of Nakuru in the creation of industrial parks as they are better suited to utilize opportunities available from steam direct use.
Also GDC is seeking partnerships with local communities because using of steam to heat fish ponds and greenhouses can be applied by people on the ground added the MD and CEO GDC.
Source: Hivisasa/ Nakuru Country News
