Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS) has received an order from SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd. This order pertains to the procurement of steam turbines and generators designated for the refurbishment of Units 1 through 3 at the longstanding 45MW Olkaria I geothermal power plant in Kenya. Scheduled for delivery by December 2025, the steam turbines and generators are integral components of this renovation project.
Established in 1981, the Olkaria I geothermal power plant stands as Kenya’s inaugural venture into geothermal energy, overseen by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (in the future referred to as “KenGen”).
Shinya Fujitsuka, Director and Vice President of the Power Systems Division at Toshiba ESS, underscores the commitment to delivering tailored solutions to address customer requirements. Revealing that Toshiba ESS proudly offers a comprehensive range of geothermal steam turbines and generators, spanning from 1 MW to 200 MW, acknowledging the imperative journey towards sustainable energy practices.
The imperative for renovation arises from the natural aging process, necessitating the refurbishment of Units 1 through 3. Toshiba ESS’s steam turbines and generators have been meticulously selected for this task, aimed at augmenting the power output of each unit from the existing 15 Megawatts (MW) to 21 MW, thereby enhancing efficiency by optimizing steam utilization. These merits garnered commendation from KenGen, culminating in the contract’s adoption.
Kenya’s burgeoning economic landscape catalyzes a corresponding surge in power demand. In response, the government has outlined a comprehensive development agenda, encapsulated within Vision 2030, emphasizing the augmentation of electricity generation capacity from renewable sources.
The nation’s ambition to transition to 100% green energy by 2030 underscores the pivotal role of projects like Olkaria I in achieving this goal. Numerous forthcoming geothermal power plants are envisaged to harness Kenya’s formidable 9GW geothermal potential, particularly within the Great Rift Valley region.
The collaborative effort between Toshiba ESS and KenGen extends beyond this project. In 2022, both entities formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU), laying the groundwork for a partnership encompassing Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services. Leveraging the synergies between KenGen and Toshiba ESS’s expertise and networks, this collaboration aims to extend O&M services to geothermal power plants across developing countries, notably within East Africa.
Toshiba ESS boasts a rich track record of successful project deliveries within Kenya and other East African nations. Furthermore, proactive initiatives, such as the signing of MOUs on geothermal power plant ventures with various partners in the region, underscore Toshiba ESS’s steadfast commitment to advancing geothermal power generation in East Africa.
Shinya Fujitsuka reiterates Toshiba ESS’s dedication to contributing to Kenya’s energy stability through the provision of cutting-edge equipment and services. Furthermore, he emphasizes the broader vision of Toshiba ESS in fostering the realization of a carbon-neutral society, both domestically and internationally, through the facilitation of geothermal power plant initiatives.
