The multi-million contract by Kengen to drill geothermal wells in Ethiopia is on course with four set to be completed this year
The power generator is confident that it will meet its targets in the ongoing geothermal exploration in Aluto–Langano region.
In February 2019, KenGen won a joint contract with Shandong Kerui Petroleum Equipment Company and Shandong Kerui Oilfield Service Group to provide geothermal drilling services.
In its weekly review report, Nesta Nyakiti said that they had mobilised more staff in Aluto region to start drilling the second well.
Nyakiti who is heading the team said that they had already drilled 365m into the crust using aerated mud technique.
“KenGen has mobilised a specialised drilling services crew of 24 staff in Aluto including aerated drillers, directional drillers, and reservoir engineers to ensure the project is a success,” he said.
KenGen has already completed drilling two wells for Tulu Moye area also in Ethiopia and is currently drilling the third well.
The first well in Tulu Moye is discharging steam that will provide critical information such as quality, the pressure level and viability of steam in terms of the amount of energy it can generate.
In March 2020, Tulu Moye Geothermal Operations PLC (TMGO) embarked on the development of a 520MW geothermal project in the Oromia Regional State.
As part of spreading its wings across the country, Kengen is also involved in drilling of geothermal power in Djibouti.
The Sh0.7B project was awarded to Kengen early in the year following an agreement with the Djiboutian Office of Geothermal Energy Development.
The multi-million projects involve the drilling of two geothermal wells at the Galla-Le-Koma geothermal field in the Lake Assal region.
According to Kengen's Geothermal Development Director Abel Rotich, a total of 80 workers would be involved in the ground works and another 12 from their offices in Djibouti.
“The team has acquired the necessary approvals from the Kenyan and Djiboutian authorities to ensure the project is implemented effectively, both on budget and on time,” he said.
