Exergy to supply ORC systems for geothermal project in Kenya

Geothermal technology firm Exergy International has signed an agreement to develop RentCo Africa's wellhead geothermal project in Olkaria, Kenya.

RentCo Africa is an independent firm providing energy leasing solutions in Kenya.

The project will harness ORC power plant technology, with flash cycle to optimise evaporation efficiency, and will add 67MWe of geothermal capacity to the Olkaria fields.

Exergy will provide eight Organic Rankine Cycle systems for the RentCo project for a total capacity of approximately 30MWe. Furthermore, the company will provide technical expertise in geothermal binary power plant design and maintenance, combined with highly efficient Radial Outflow Turbine (ROT) technology.

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Luca Pozzoni, general manager of Exergy International, stated: “Africa holds substantial renewable energy potential, and we are deeply committed to helping harness this potential with our technology and expertise. Our aim is to contribute to a smooth clean energy transition in Africa, improving electricity access for an increasing number of people across the continent.”

Erdogan Arpaci, general manager of Exergy Turkey and responsible for Africa market development commented: "I am confident that numerous promising projects can be realized in this region through collaboration among financial investors, institutions, and technology providers."

At the end of 2023, Kenya ranked among the top ten countries globally for geothermal capacity installed, boasting 985MW.

Read more: Kenya looks to hydro and geothermal power to replace thermal baseload

According to the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya's geothermal resources are located within the Rift Valley with an estimated potential of between 7,000MW to 10,000MW spread over 14 prospective sites.

Until now, geothermal exploration and assessment has been undertaken in a number of fields including; Menengai, Baringo-Silali, Suswa, Mwananyamala, Homa Hills, Barrier, Nyambene Hills and Chyulu hills. Olkaria, Menengai and Baringo-Silali wells have been drilled with 59 production wells successfully developed in Olkaria geothermal field.

The exploration of geothermal energy is carried out by state-owned Geothermal Development Company, which was formed in 2008 as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to develop the sector.