GDC hopes to develop 800 MW of Geothermal Energy by 2017
Baringo County residents have granted the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) access to their land, removing a major hurdle that has held back efforts to generate 3,000 MW of steam-powered energy in the region.
The affected residents have signed a land use pact with the GDC, paving the way for the commencement of the first phase of the Baringo-Silali project which seeks to generate 800 megawatts in January.
The first phase of the Baringo project that straddles Bogoria, Paka, Chepchuk, Korosi and Silali areas will cost about Sh310 billion ($3.1 billion) and inject 200 MW to the national grid.
In all, the GDC hopes to develop the first 2,000 MW in four phases beginning with 800 MW by 2017, 400 MW by 2019, another 400 MW by 2021 and the rest of 400 MW by 2023.
The project to be completed under the public-private partnership model targets to supply power to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.