Kenya key player in strengthening global geothermal capacity by 40% in 10 years

(Ecofin Agency) – Geothermal energy, which exploits the natural heat of the earth, is a renewable option particularly used in East Africa, particularly in Kenya where it dominates, along with hydroelectricity, the energy mix.

Global geothermal energy production capacity has increased by nearly 40% over the past 10 years, reaching nearly 15 GW in 2023. An advance illustrated in the report “ The Future of Geothermal Energy » published in December by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Over the period, an African country particularly stood out in the development of this energy. This is Kenya which, along with Turkey and Indonesia, has seen the most significant progress, together accounting for more than three-quarters of new capacity according to the report.

Kenya, which until then was the 8^e global user of geothermal energy, has more capacity under construction than any other country, and plans to almost double its production by 2030 as part of ambitious green energy targets. By combining this energy with hydroelectricity, the country has one of the most decarbonized electricity mixes in Africa.

However, despite the growth of emerging markets and developing economies like Kenya, the IEA says the United States still has the largest installed capacity of geothermal energy in the world, built primarily between 1980 and 1995.

Abdullah Diop