KENYA: GDC Calls for Tenders for Direct Use of Geothermal Steam

Posted on : Wednesday , 19th May 2021

The Kenyan state-owned Geothermal Development Company has launched a call for expressions of interest for the direct use of geothermal steam at the Menengai site in the Rift Valley in western Kenya. Interested investors have until May 24th, 2021 to apply.

Geothermal Development Company is on its way to diversify the use of geothermal steam in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Geothermal Development Company has just launched a tender to investors for the direct use of geothermal steam at the Menengai site in western Kenya.

Several geothermal wells have already been drilled at the geothermal site. The steam produced from the natural heat of the ground is mainly used for electricity generation. Geothermal Development Company intends to take advantage of its low temperature gradient wells for direct use of the steam. Investors interested in this call for expressions of interest have time until May 24th, 2021 to submit their bids.

These companies could purchase the steam from Geothermal Development Company for various uses, including agriculture. In this sector, geothermal heat is used to dry crops, to heat plants in greenhouses and to heat water in fish farms. In the agro-industry, the steam produced by geothermal wells can be used in agro-industrial processes, such as milk pasteurisation.

In tourism activities, geothermal heat can be used for the development of spas. Underground heat can be used in households to provide hot water or to cook food. Similarly, industries that require heat can green their processes with geothermal energy.