Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen), the leading energy producer, has started installing a Steam Turbine into the Olkaria 1 AU 6 Power Plant, signalling a breakthrough in the ongoing construction of the power plant.
The Steam Turbine is the heart of the power plant as It is the component that is usually rotated to drive the generator that produces electricity.
According to Rebecca Miano, KenGen Managing Director and CEO, the turbine’s lower casing installation started on Thursday.
“This is the largest single unit of turbine we will be installing in any of our power plants with a capacity of 83.3MW and with its installation we are now entering the final phase of construction of the power plant,” Rebecca Miano, KenGen Managing Director and CEO
She further revealed that this was the first time a Fuji Turbine was being installed in Kenya and Africa.
Fuji Electrical to Oversee the Kengen Project
Fuji Electric, the Turbine Manufacturer, has deployed Technical Adviser who will oversee the whole installation process and ensure success. He will be assisted by a team of Engineers from both Fuji Electric and KenGen.
The turbine installation and its auxiliaries will take approximately three (3) months, including dynamic balancing. This Installation will run alongside other major installations such as Generator Step-Up Transformer (GSUT), Auxiliary transformers, MV and LV Switchgears, Non-Condensable Gas extraction system, Cooling water system, Air Compressor system, Heating and Ventilation system and Emergency Diesel Generator.
Mrs Miano said KenGen is happy with the project’s progress as it is on schedule despite challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With these activities running concurrently, it will ensure that the power plant’s commissioning is achieved in the last quarter of the year 2021,” Rebecca Miano
Construction of Olkaria 1 AU 6 geothermal power plant started in December 2018 following a ground-breaking ceremony graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The construction of the additional power plant is aligned with the company’s long-term strategy. The Least Cost Power Development Plan (LCPDP) focused on the sustainable supply of renewable energy in support of the Government Big Four Agenda.
Currently, KenGen supplies about 72% of the electricity consumed in Kenya, with over 80% of this coming from renewable sources. The company has a total installed generation capacity of 1,818MWcomprising hydro (826MW), geothermal (713MW), thermal (254MW) and wind (26MW).
Read also; KenGen’s US$6.5 Million Djibouti Power Project begins Next Month.
