Korean company Hyundai Engineering has selected US-based Honeywell to support Kenya’s energy needs by providing its Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS).
Honeywell’s control system will be used at Kenya Electricity Generating’s (KenGen) two geothermal plants in Olkaria.
With the installation of Experion PKS, KenGen is expected to increase its total electricity generating capacity by 25% – helping the country meet its growing energy demand.
The control system will integrate data from Olkaria’s different operating systems and share it with the power stations’ workforce.
In addition, the technology solution will be used to centralise control room strategies.
Experion PKS will feature an integrated operator interface and incorporate physical security, fail-safe controls and emergency shutdown.
The company will also provide engineering and project management expertise, some of which would be on-site.
Honeywell Process Solutions president, Darius Adamczyk, said the company is providing KenGen a control system that improves availability, reduces downtime and protects asset investment.
"Together with Hyundai Engineering, we are developing a solution that generates continuous and reliable power to meet Kenya’s needs," said Adamczyk.
Hyundai Engineering chief engineer on the project, SH Keum, said that Honeywell has advised the firm on technical specifications and cost reduction methodologies from the early design stages.
"We selected Honeywell for its robust technology and strong team of engineers who have been working with us to create and deliver a total solution that meets KenGen’s requirements," Keum said.
"With the solution in place, the new power plants will be able to operate in a sustainable manner as they can increase production while consuming fewer raw materials, putting KenGen in a strong position for the future."
KenGen’s Olkaria I and IV power plants are capable of generating 140MW each.
Image: Workers at Olkaria geothermal power plant in Kenya. Photo: courtesy of Lydur Skulason.
