The GDC will start development of geothermal fields in Suswa in two months. In a new business model, the Geothermal Development Company will explore and develop the steam fields, while private companies will compete for licences to build the power plants.
GDC managing director Johnson ole Nchoe said they expect to get requisite funding and the necessary approvals in the coming months. “We have already finalised on the exploration side, our scientist tells us the site could inject between 600-1000MW to the national grid,” he said.
Nchoe said the Italian government has pledged to fund the project. “The drilling of the wells requires huge amounts of water, which is unavailable in Suswa,” he said. GDC has has already received Sh51 billion in loans and grants.
