Plans for the redevelopment of Olkaria I (along with Olkaria IV) were announced at the end of 2022. Earlier this year, KenGen received funding from the EU for the planned refurbishment project. Olkaria I holds the distinction of being the oldest geothermal power station in Kenya.
Kengen geothermal development general manager Peketsa Mangi is optimistic that Olkaria I will come back bigger and stronger after the temporary shutdown. He further explained that the deficit due to the shutdown of Olkaria I will be made up by the 86-MW Olkaria I Unit 6 power plant, which went online in July 2022.
Mangi also announced that the multi-million Geothermal Training Center, funding by the World Bank with USD 2.8 million, will start to offer training in renewable energy by next year. The center is expected to receive students from Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
A few weeks ago, the Olkaria geothermal fields was visited by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. During the visit, Chancellor Scholz committed that Germany will provide funding and technical support for the capacity expansions plans in Olkaria.
