Kenya confirms large steam field in Menengai

In Kenya, Geothermal Development Co. says it has found commercially exploitable steam deposits in Menengai, a field that may contain as much as 1,600 MW of geothermal energy. Silas Simiyu, chief executive officer of the state-run GDC said additional testing will determine the exact energy potential at the site. Well-head generators that can be set up quickly to convert steam into electricity could be installed within a year, and larger-scale independent power producers are invited to build conventional power plants in the East African nation, he said.