Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Kenya: USTDA to Fund 70 MW Akirra Geothermal Power Project

USTDA Revitalizes Kenya Program With Six Power Africa Grants (News Release)

Today, during the U.S.-Africa Business Forum, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) launched its largest single investment in Kenya’s power sector to date. 

At a ceremony witnessed by the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, the Honorable William Ruto, and Power Africa Coordinator Andrew Herscowitz, USTDA Director Leocadia I. Zak announced support for six projects, including one geothermal energy project, that will identify U.S. solutions that can help increase access to affordable, reliable electricity across Kenya and help diversify the country’s energy mix.

During the ceremony, USTDA and its Kenyan partners agreed to support the
Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant: USTDA will partner with Akiira Geothermal Limited with a $939,699 grant, to assess the viability of a 70 MW geothermal power plant northwest of Nairobi. Successful implementation of the project would provide clean, baseload renewable power and support Kenya’s participation in the regional power pool. USTDA Director Zak and Mr. Paul Stroud, a Board Member of Akiira Geothermal Limited, signed the grant agreement.