Kenya has launched a bid to host the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) in 2029. Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira announced the plans and said the move is part of the country’s commitment to advancing geothermal energy and positioning itself as a global leader in renewable energy.
The congress, a significant global forum held every three years, brings together stakeholders from various sectors including industry, academia, finance, governments, NGOs, and communities to collaborate on sustainable energy solutions.
READ:Gribo-Popoli power plant in Côte d’Ivoire commissioned
By hosting such a prestigious event, Kenya expects to attract enhanced Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in geothermal development, which will contribute to industrialization efforts across Africa. Kenya has already tapped into a significant portion of its geothermal potential, estimated at 10,000MW. Currently, it ranks seventh globally with an installed capacity of about 940MW, largely developed through state-owned enterprises like KenGen and GDC.
While state-owned enterprises have been the main drivers of geothermal development, there is increasing private sector interest, indicating potential growth in this area. Kenya is committed to achieving a 100% transition to renewable energy by 2030, with geothermal playing a crucial role in this ambitious agenda. Geothermal energy is viewed as integral to Kenya’s sustainable industrial development, aligning with the country’s long-term development blueprint.