The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has confirmed plans of expanding its research and innovation on the direct uses of geothermal energy in order to minimize the use of electricity as a source of energy.
Speaking during a tour of the Menengai Geothermal Project in Nakuru on Friday, the GDC Managing Director and CEO Eng Johnson Nchoe said that direct uses of geothermal energy will play a major complementary role to electricity in boosting investment and the economic environment for the community and nation.
"We are partnering with our development partners such as Germany Development Bank (KfW), USAID, African Development Bank and the Icelandic International Development Agency (ICEIDA) among others, in ensuring there is abundant geothermal resources in the country. We want to reduce the rate of electricity consumption in the country by coming up with this alternative source," Eng Nchoe stated.
According to Nchoe, the company is already piloting four key areas of direct use of steam which include heating fishponds, heating greenhouses, milk pasteurisation and laundry.
The GDC Managing Director also pointed out their plans to explore potentials in Baringo's Silale area to tap more geothermal energy.
"Our main aim is to expand investment portfolios and opportunities as a country in a bid to support the government’s endeavour in job and wealth creation. There is high potential value of geothermal energy in Silale, going as high as 800 megawatts," he further said.
The MD also said that their dream was to generate 1000 megawatts of power from the steam and also ensure it was effectively used in a direct manner by the community.