BrazilKenya calls for consulting support for geothermal power plant
In another example of African energy markets turning to consultants, the Geothermal Development Company in Kenya has lodged an open Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding the Menengai West Geothermal Drilling Project. The assignment will be to prepare an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study.
As the African economy develops, the continent has found itself in need of larger energy repositories. Currently, while the economic scenario in Africa is improving, there is a significant gap in infrastructure spending on the continent — a recipe for disaster as the pressure on resources in the region increases.
As a result, governments in a number of African countries are developing large-scale energy infrastructure projects, and are turning to the consulting industry to help support the undertakings. In recent months, Ghana has released tenders for three different energy projects: the sale of its thermal assets; an economic, social, and environment impact assessment of the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme; and optimisation of the Takoradi Thermal Power Plant.
Earlier this month, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) called for support from consulting firms regarding the negotiation of a Host Government Agreement for the much-awaited liquefied natural gas plant. Now, Kenya has joined the growing list of African countries seeking the advice of consultants on their large-scale energy projects.
The Geothermal Development Company (GDC), established in 2008, is a government-owned entity in Kenya whose sole purpose is to utilise geothermal energy to generate electricity. Since 2016, the company has been developing plans for the Menengai Geothermal Power Plant, with an expected capacity of 35 megawatts.
Before progressing to the implementation stage, GDC wants to conduct a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study — which will be developed by a consulting firm. The tender for the assignment has been launched, and firms have been requested to offer technical and financial proposals for the study.
The GDC has offered exemption from the provision of financial proposals in some cases — where the GDC plans to arrange the financial transactions in accordance with previously-stated regulations. Nevertheless, if a financial proposal is submitted, it will act as the basis for the contract.
In order to develop the proposals, the GDC has urged firms to familiarise themselves with all aspects of the local environment, and has declared itself open to receiving any information during the process of developing the proposal. In addition, the RFP has detailed a list of officials that can be contacted for specific information that may be required.
