“I am optimistic that our geoscientific studies will confirm the viability of Eswatini’s geothermal resources, enabling the country to increase its renewable energy portfolio and enhance its baseload capacity,”-KenGen Managing Director and CEO Peter Njenga
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing renewable energy across Africa, leveraging its geothermal expertise to foster sustainable development. Highlighting its Ksh 250 million contract with Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), KenGen Managing Director and CEO Peter Njenga stated, “This partnership with Eswatini marks another significant step in our mission to support Africa’s renewable energy ambitions and mitigate the effects of climate change.”
Awarded earlier this year, the contract tasks KenGen with conducting geoscientific studies in three regions of Eswatini to evaluate geothermal potential. The findings will determine the feasibility of establishing a geothermal power plant in the Southern African nation, with the studies expected to be completed in the coming months.
Speaking during KenGen’s 72nd Annual General Meeting on Thursday, Njenga emphasized the company’s dedication to spreading its expertise across the continent. “Our strategic focus is on expanding our footprint beyond Kenya and leveraging our geothermal expertise to foster sustainable development across the continent,” Njenga said.
Strengthening Renewable Energy in Eswatini
Eswatini, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa bordered by South Africa and Mozambique, is pursuing geothermal energy as part of its broader effort to bolster renewable energy capacity and enhance energy security. This aligns with the country’s commitment to combating climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
“I am optimistic that our geoscientific studies will confirm the viability of Eswatini’s geothermal resources, enabling the country to increase its renewable energy portfolio and enhance its baseload capacity,” Njenga added. “This project also reinforces KenGen’s strategy to diversify revenue streams and ensure financial sustainability through geothermal consultancy and related services.”
KenGen’s Growing Influence in Africa
KenGen Board Chairman Frank Konuche described the partnership as a strategic step for both Eswatini and KenGen. “For Eswatini, this project taps into its natural resources while advancing Africa’s sustainable energy goals. For KenGen, it is a testament to our growing influence in geothermal development across the continent,” Konuche remarked.
KenGen’s success in geothermal projects, such as those in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Tanzania, alongside its expertise honed at Kenya’s Olkaria geothermal fields, played a pivotal role in securing the Eswatini contract. With an installed geothermal capacity of 754 MW, Kenya leads the continent and ranks among the top 10 geothermal energy producers globally.
The Eswatini project is KenGen’s latest venture as part of its mission to advance Africa’s green energy transition. By providing geothermal consultancy and drilling services, KenGen is not only positioning itself as a trusted partner but also contributing to economic growth and environmental sustainability across the region.
As Africa embraces the shift to renewable energy, KenGen continues to play a key role in championing geothermal energy as a solution to energy security and climate change challenges, solidifying its position as a leader in the sector.
