China has begun construction on a 35-megawatt geothermal power plant in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, a project led by PowerChina and funded by the Kaishan Group with an investment of $93 million. This initiative is part of China's broader strategy to enhance its renewable energy footprint in Africa. Kenyan President William Ruto has stated that this project will elevate the country's geothermal production ranking to fifth globally, showcasing Kenya's potential in renewable energy [7fdc570a]. Currently, Kenya has only tapped into about 10% of its geothermal potential, with 950 megawatts harnessed out of nearly 10,000 megawatts available [7fdc570a]. This project follows PowerChina's previous commissioning of another 35-megawatt geothermal plant in the region, indicating a growing partnership in renewable energy development [7fdc570a].
This investment aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping's pledge of $51 billion in financing for African projects over the next three years, with a significant focus on renewable energy initiatives [7fdc570a]. In 2023 alone, Chinese investments in African renewable projects surged, with $502 million in loans committed for various initiatives, reflecting China's increasing commitment to supporting renewable energy across the continent [7fdc570a].
As China continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, the construction of the geothermal plant in Kenya not only highlights the potential for geothermal energy in Africa but also reinforces China's role as a major player in global renewable energy efforts. This project is expected to contribute significantly to Kenya's energy needs while promoting sustainable development in the region [7fdc570a].