Flower grower and exporter Oserian Development Company has applied for variation of its two megawatt (MW) geothermal power generation licence to include harnessing of solar energy.
The firm, which uses geothermal steam to power business—from lighting hundreds of staff houses to heating its greenhouses at night—plans to utilise roofs for laying solar panels.
It plans to submit its variation request in a fortnight and has invited individual or firms planning to oppose the plan to do so in writing. It will submit to the Energy Regulatory Authority the variation request on March 8.
Oserian becomes the second business to seek a licence to produce solar power on a commercial scale after the 5,000-acre Tatu City in Kiambu.
Tatu City said its venture will help reduce the cost of power for residents and light industry operators as well as generate some income for the upcoming development.
The project will ensure power to Tatu City is guaranteed round the clock for all companies as they enjoy both the connection to the national grid and the alternative power source.
Oserian started producing its own geothermal power after Geothermal Development Associates (GDA) supplied a nominal two MW steam turbine generator installed by Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) of New Zealand.
Source: businessdailyafrica.com
