Geothermal Steam To Power Industries As Special Economic Zone To Be Created In Menengai

NAKURU,Kenya, Oct 30 – News that  a special economic zone will be set up in Menegai area of Nakuru county has been hailed as a huge boost for local industries operating in the area.

The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has already given the nod to the direct use of geothermal steam to power industrial processes.

This is said to power industries at one-third of their energy costs as industries in the area will also benefit from readily available sources of water.

“The state owned firm is in talks with various local and foreign investors who intend to use geothermal steam in processes such as textile manufacturing, dairy processing, greenhouse and fish farming and health spas,which will be done alongside the power generation,” said  Engineer Esther Njuguna, Manager GDC.

Addressing stakeholders at the GDC alternative geothermal steam use demonstration projects at Menengai Crater, Njuguna said that the steam technology will place Kenya amongst pother developed nations using the natural resource to spur economic growth.

“The special economic zone is expected to attract foreign direct investment and encourage export of value-added commodities critical for job creation and improving the country’s current account,” she said.

Light and heavy industries are set to benefit from the project as the power of electricity will be subsidised. This is as a result of  lower transmission costs from the power generation plants to the industrial hub.

Geothermal steam can also be utilized for a different range of applications ranging from tourism, leisure and domestic use depending on the resource temperature and usage.

“If efficiently harnessed, geothermal heat will deliver energy that will enable farmers and food processors to increase production and improve food security,”

A feasibility study conducted by GDC recently indicated that a medium sized milk processing plant using geothermal energy for milk processing resulted in energy cost reduction of up to 60 per cent.

According to the Renewables Global Status 2018, Kenya tops the list of countries in the continent  with 700 megawatts of geothermal power, retaining its place compared to last year.