RFP – Consultancy for optimization study of Greater Olkaria geothermal field, Kenya

KenGen's newest 83MW geothermal power plant, Olkaria I Unit 6 (source: KenGen)

Carlo Cariaga 11 Jan 2024

KenGen has published a Request for Proposals for “Consultancy Services for undertaking optimization study of the Greater Olkaria geothermal fields” (Ref#KGN-GDD-115-2023). The bid documents can be accessed via KenGen’s official tender page. The closing date for this tender will be on 23 January 2024.

The geothermal facilities of KenGen in the Olkaria field currently has an installed capacity of 796.7 MW across five main power plant units and wellhead generation units. There are several expansions projects in the pipeline, with a total potential capacity of 381 MW. Still, studies estimate that there is still considerable geothermal potential yet to be developed in Olkaria.

KenGen intends to engage the services of reputable consulting firms to carry out detailed optimization studies and reservoir numerical modeling to cover the 204 sq. km. of the Greater Olkaria geothermal field. The study will incorporate new exploration and utilization data that has become available since the last study.

The goals of the study are to:

• Collate and process all the existing information and data for the entire field
• Create a structured repository for all datasets
• Assess the data and advise KenGen on the additional data needed
• Analyze the data and develop reservoir model covering the entire field
• Carry out numerical simulation of the response of the reservoir with respect to present production and future developments. The reservoir simulation code should incorporate well bore flow simulation
• Recommend and provide parallel computing cluster to be used in numerical modeling. The solution should be able to handle the expansive numerical model of Olkaria geothermal complex. Reservoir simulator should be coupled with well bore and possibly surface facilities as option
• Identify the development strategy that matches best to the reservoir response for long term exploitation of the field
• Advise KenGen on the most optimum development for the field with respect to
  • Optimum output (MW), Plant sizes, Process cycle and Locations
  • Development stages
  • Reinjection strategy for the whole field
• Prepare economic and financial analysis of proposed and recommended development options

The results of the study are as follows:

• Assessment of the existing available data from the entire field and advice on the additional data required to carry out successful optimization study
• A central repository for all the available exploration and resource utilization datasets
• Assessment of the reservoir potential covering the 204km2 greater Olkaria geothermal field and additional power production that can be added beyond the 1200 MW
• Recommendations and supply reservoir modelling solution capable of handling complete workflow from data, pre and post processing, simulation and models and visualization
• Numerical simulation of the wider reservoir to predict its response to present and future production and advice on the most optimum development strategy for the field including recommendations of hot and cold injection strategy.
• Recommendations on the optimum additional development for the field, the location, and sizes of the plants to be installed and the development sequence
• Recommendations on the appropriate management and monitoring strategy for the field including any additional studies required
• The optimal resources utilization for sustainable development
• EIA Project Report
• Feasibility Report

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from Monday to Friday:

General Manager Supply Chain,
Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC,
9th Floor, KenGen Pension Plaza II,
Kolobot Road, Parklands,
P.O. Box 47936, 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Email: tenders@kengen.co.ke

Source: KenGen