China launches geothermal power project in Kenya amid renewable energy expansion in Africa

China has commenced a significant geothermal power project in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, underscoring its commitment to renewable energy initiatives across Africa.

The 35-megawatt Orpower 22 geothermal plant, to be constructed by PowerChina, a state-owned energy and construction company, will be developed at the Menengai Crater. The project is backed by the Chinese firm Kaishan Group, which is investing $93 million in the construction, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, President William Ruto emphasized that this plant will elevate Kenya’s global ranking in geothermal production to fifth place, demonstrating the nation's dedication to harnessing its vast geothermal resources for economic development. Ruto noted that only 10 percent of Kenya's geothermal potential has been explored, with the country having tapped just 950 megawatts out of an estimated 10,000 megawatts available.

This new plant follows the commissioning of another 35-megawatt geothermal facility by PowerChina last year, indicating a growing Chinese presence in Africa's renewable energy sector. This aligns with President Xi Jinping's commitment to cease financing new overseas coal-fired power plants while increasing investment in renewable energy projects.

At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in September, Xi pledged $51 billion in financing for Africa over the next three years, with a focus on clean energy initiatives. Notably, Chinese banks have resumed lending for energy projects in Africa, committing $502 million to three renewable ventures last year, including a solar plant in Burkina Faso and a hydropower project in Madagascar.

Chinese investment in renewable energy across Africa also includes the De Aar Central Solar Power Plant in South Africa, which will be the largest single-unit solar facility in the country, and several other significant projects throughout the continent, such as Morocco's Noor II and Noor III solar power projects.

By Vafa Guliyeva