The Olkaria I Units 4 and 5 is among eight projects and five individuals that have been recognised in 2016. FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 25 – Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has been awarded the 2016 JICA President Award for its flagship Green Energy project, Olkaria I Units 4 and 5.
The Presidential Award is awarded to an individual or organization associated with JICA and whose contribution in the field of development is recognized to be of immense significance in development of society and economy in developing countries.
The Olkaria I Units 4 and 5 is among eight projects and five individuals that have been recognised in 2016. The 140 MW geothermal power plants were funded by JICA in collaboration with various development partners.
KenGen MD and CEO, Eng. Albert Mugo, said the Award will add impetus to the company’s efforts to implement the green energy agenda through increased generation of clean, safe and affordable geothermal power.
“We are proud to play an important role in the provision of green energy in the country through the Olkaria Geothermal Power Project and this has been made possible with the support from JICA,” said Eng. Mugo, when he received the Award.
Japan has funded several energy projects in the country through concessional Overseas Development Agency loans to the tune of approximately US$900 million including the financing 296Mega Watts out of the country’s 2,400 Mega Watts of Kenya’s installed capacity.
JICA Chief Representative Ms Keiko Sano said Olkaria I Units 4 and 5 has been approved as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) by the United Nations CDM Executive Board.
“This project is in harmony with its environment including the design and coating of the facilities considering natural environment and scenery,” said Sano, adding that the project has contributed to geothermal development in East Africa.
The Olkaria I Units 4 and 5 has also been awarded the “Clean Energy Project of the Year” while KenGen received the “Utility of the Year” Award during the Africa Utility Week in May 2015.
The energy projects funded by JICA in Kenya are the Kipevu I Diesel Power Plant (75MW), Sondu Miriu Hydropower Plant (60MW), Sangoro Power Plant (21MW), and Olkaria I Unit 4 & 5 (140MW).
