Kenya is sharing its geothermal knowhow with Malawi.

Kenya’s smaller neighbour, which is also located on the East Africa Rift system, is said to have geothermal potential of 200 MW, reports ESI-Africa.

Speaking after a visit to the Menengai geothermal facility in Kenya recently, Maxon Chitawo, acting CEO of Malawi’s Electricity Generation Company, confirmed his company was partnering with Kenya’s Geothermal Development Company, using the latter’s equipment, experience and expertise to develop Malawi’s geothermal industry.

Kenya is the continent’s largest geothermal producer with installed capacity of almost 900 MW; however, estimates suggest East Africa is sitting on a potential 15 GW of geothermal energy

According to the World Bank, only 23% of Malawi’s population has access to electricity, though access in rural areas is only 4%, with 95% of grid-linked energy generation coming from hydropower.

17 September 2024
Image: Unsplash