GDC Begins Work At Suswa In Major Geothermal Expansion Drive

By Suleiman Mbatiah

The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has begun geothermal exploration at the Suswa field in Narok County, marking a significant expansion of the firm’s footprint in Kenya’s renewable energy landscape

On January 29, drilling rigs were mobilised to the site, joining GDC’s active projects in Menengai in Nakuru and Paka and Silali in Baringo counties.

The move signals a new phase in Kenya’s bid to harness its abundant geothermal resources. Detailed surface studies were completed in early 2013.

At a ceremony at the Menengai Camp, Acting GDC CEO Stephen Busieney said the mobilisation marked a shift from potential to action for Suswa.

“This is a defining moment as Suswa transitions to proof of concept,” Mr Busieney said.

Initial studies estimate Suswa’s geothermal potential at about 750 megawatts. Development will be phased, with results from exploration guiding the pace of work.

The first three phase will develop a total of 300MW, with each phase developing 100MW.

Ruben Ngosi, GDC’s General Manager for Drilling and Infrastructure, said the company was prepared for the task ahead.

“We have the team and capability to break new frontiers,” Eng Ngosi said.

Irene Onyambu, GDC’s General Manager of Corporate Services, said the project reflected the firm’s growing technical strength and offered staff development opportunities.

Kenya’s geothermal resources are among Africa’s richest. The country has nearly 1,000 megawatts of installed geothermal capacity and an estimated 7,000–10,000 megawatts of untapped potential along the Rift Valley.

Geothermal power forms a substantial share of Kenya’s clean energy mix and offers stable baseload generation, reducing reliance on hydropower and fossil fuels.

GDC’s mandate is to de-risk early exploration and sell geothermal steam to investors and power producers, laying the groundwork for future energy projects.