The Republic of Kenya is to use its geothermal energy expertise to assist its East African neighbour Malawi to develop geothermal energy projects.
Malawi is said to have 200MW potential in geothermal energy resources, because of its location within the East African Rift System, one of the hottest zones in the world.
The country, however, lacks capacity to exploit geothermal sources because it lacks technical know-how, personnel and resources.
Last year Kenya’s Geothermal Development Company and Malawi’s Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) signed a Collaboration Framework Agreement (CFA) “on execution of geothermal projects in Malawi.”
“We have partnered with GDC to leverage their expertise, experience and equipment to develop geothermal energy in Malawi,” said Dr Maxon Chitawo, EGENCO Acting CEO.
He was speaking after visiting the Menengai geothermal plant in Kenya last week.
Chitawo said as Malawi also lies in the Rift Valley and has hot springs within its borders, it wants to use these natural attributes to produce electricity and diversify its energy mix.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com