Israeli energy firm Ormat Technologies has teamed up with Japan’s Toshiba Corporation to source and implement joint geothermal contracts.
The first project expected to be implemented under the deal signed Friday is Nakuru’s Menengai Crater to be constructed and operated by the Ormat – Symbion Power LLC – Civicon consortium.
Ormat, which represents Toshiba in the Kenyan venture, said in a press statement that negotiations on the supply agreement and the plant design were at an advanced stage.
FORMIDALE ALLIANCE
The two parties said they were actively analysing global prospects for upcoming and potential projects in which they can jointly submit applications for geothermal power plants utilising the expertise they have built over time.
“This collaboration with Toshiba, an innovation leader in the geothermal steam turbine industry, is another significant step in our long-term strategy to expand our presence in the geothermal space and ultimately target the larger renewable energy market,” observed Ormat’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Isaac Angel.
Toshiba’s Power Systems Company President Yoshihiro Aburatani expressed optimism saying customers would enjoy a one-stop service solution from exploration, power plant construction to production and connection to the grid.
Mr Angel described the partnership as a milestone that forms a formidable alliance able to execute major projects.
MENENGAI CRATER PROJECT
Menengai Crater has an initial planned power output of 100MW with three independent power producers hired to oversee construction and operationalization of power generation plants.
The project, supervised by the Geothermal Development Authority, will ensure Kenya gets cheaper power at a much lower cost.
This is expected to ensure that Kenyans can engage in any electricity driven venture or industry and in process creating jobs while enhancing manufacturing capacity across the country.
Other geothermal projects under development include Mount Longonot, Silale and Ol Karia where Ormat recently completed operationalisation of a 110MW facility.
By JAMES KARIUKI
