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Olkaria – Geothermal resource optimization

The consortium composed of Verkís, Mannvit, ÍSOR and Vatnaskil conducted Consultancy Services for Geothermal Resource Optimization Study of the Greater Olkaria Geothermal Fields.

For Kenya Electricity Generation Company Ltd. (KenGen).



Project overview

The Olkaria Geothermal Field is located in the East African Rift valley, about 120 km north-west of Nairobi, The KenGen´s license area covers 204 km2. When the study was initiated, KenGen had two power plants in operation, Olkaria I and II, with a total capacity 150 MW and two power plants, totaling 280 MW, were under construction. The work was to study the possibilities to develop the KenGen´s concession area beyond the already constructed and planned 430 MW power plants.
The main tasks were:
Determination of the size, availability and quality of the geothermal resources.
Recommendation of the optimum utilization of the field.
Recommendation of locations, sizes and separation pressure of the future power plants.
Feasibility study for power plants in harmony with the optimized capacity of the geothermal field. That includes:
             – Evaluation of existing power plants and recommended modifications.
             – Recommendations for location, size and types of new power plants.
Training of KenGen´s employees
Evaluation of the environmental impact of the geothermal utilization.
The main outcome of the study was that total capacity of the geothermal field was evaluated 930 MW, i.e. 500 MW in addition to the already constructed and planed power plants. Five new plants and extension of one existing plant were recommended.
Verkís managed the project and provided expert input on all aspects related to feasibility study of the power plants and steam field.
930mw

Geothermal Potential



500mw

Additional Capacity



204km2

License Area

The Challenge

KenGen sought to maximize the long-term potential of the Greater Olkaria Geothermal Fields while ensuring sustainable use of one of Africa’s largest geothermal resources. The study required a comprehensive assessment of the geothermal reservoir, future generating capacity and optimal development strategy to support continued expansion.

Our Solution

As part of a consortium with Mannvit, ÍSOR and Vatnaskil, Verkís managed the geothermal resource optimization study and provided specialist expertise in power plant and steam field feasibility. The project included resource assessment, capacity analysis, optimization of future plant locations and sizes, environmental evaluation and recommendations for expanding the geothermal field while maintaining sustainable reservoir management.

The Result

The study concluded that the Olkaria geothermal field could support a total generating capacity of approximately 930 MW, identifying an additional 500 MW of development potential beyond the existing and planned facilities. The findings provided KenGen with a strategic roadmap for future expansion, including recommendations for five new power plants and the expansion of an existing facility, helping strengthen Kenya’s position as a global leader in geothermal energy.


Technical information

Location:


Olkari, Turkey


Project period:


2011 – 2012





Services Provided



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