• Kenya and South Sudan are pursuing a deal that would open up the export of electricity to the latter in exchange of gas.
• Kenya will offer electricity from geothermal in exchange for gas from the tens of oil fields in South Sudan
Nairobi, Kenya | – Kenya and South Sudan are pursuing a deal that would open up the export of electricity to the latter in exchange for gas.
Kenya will offer electricity from geothermal in exchange for gas from the tens of oil fields in South Sudan.
This emerged when visiting South Sudan President Salva Kiir and his delegation visited geothermal rich area of Olkaria in Naivasha.
South Sudan is in dire need of electricity in its oil fields with the current supply not adequate.
According to Energy CS Charles Keter, works was undergoing to construct transmission lines to Lodwar which neighbours Sudan.
He said Kenya is keen to use the transmission lines to supply electricity to the neighbouring country which is currently in engaged in various development projects.
“We are engaging our brothers from South Sudan so that Kenya can get gas from the oil fields while they in return will get electricity supply,” he said.
He reaffirmed that Kenya would donate ten acres of land to the Sudanese government for the construction of an industrial park in Naivasha. He termed Naivasha as very critical and said geothermal power and steam from Olkaia would be used by the industries located in the park.
“The land donated to South Sudan government is located around the geothermal fields in Olkaria and electricity generated from the region will come in handy in the park,” he said.
South Sudan’s Petroleum minister Daniel Awou said they face many challenges in power production.
He said the oil fields in the war ravaged country needed more electricity to increase production.
“We are ready to partner with Kenya in terms of geothermal exploration and supply as the demand for electricity in our country is higher than supply,” he said.
Awou said South Sudan has been involved in oil drilling for the last 25 years and there was need to explore other sources of energy like geothermal.
Kengen CEO Rebecca Miano said that studies had shown that South Sudan had the capability of producing 400mw of geothermal power and Kenya is ready to offer support.
“Kenya is ranked ninth in terms of geothermal production in the world and we are ready to offer expertise and advice to South Sudan government,” she said.
