Kenya invites investors for geothermal power plants
Kenya’s Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has invited prequalification bids from investors for the development of 400 MW of power from underground steam. The state owned company expects to drill 120 wells in the first phase of the project that will contribute about one quarter of the country’s current installed power capacity. “The estimated 400 MW...
Uganda plans to begin construction of an oil refinery in 2012
Uganda will in 2012 start the phased development of an oil refinery that will meet local demand of up to 25,000 barrels per day (bpd) before scaling up to 200,000 bpd by 2016 said Fred Kabagame Kabaiisa,” permanent secretary at the Mines and Energy Ministry. Keen on avoiding pitfalls that have bedeviled other sub-Saharan...
Lamu Port ‘dream’ on the way to reality says Dr. Mutule Kilonzo
To many, the reality of what is coming up in Lamu town is too good to be true. The obscure port along the Kenyan coastline is about to rival world famous ports and business hubs like Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Never again has Kenya seen a project of such magnitude unfold before their eyes. But...
Organic battery system holds promise for Malaysian market
A method of making electric vehicle battery components from organic material is set to provide jobs in Malaysia’s rural communities. A new pilot plant at the University of Nottingham’s Malaysia Campus (UNMC) plans to produce supercapacitors, which extend the life of batteries in electric cars and handheld devices, from waste bamboo and fruit skins. ...
Kengen plans to produce more wind power at Ngong Hills
KenGen’s Ngong Phase 1 Wind Farm was officially launched by Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi on September 8, 2010. The 5.1 MW facility is part of the power firm’s move to diversify the sources of electricity and marks a big step towards diversifying its sources of electricity. KenGen plans to increase the wind energy capacity in Ngong Hills...
Noice-cancelling device blocks out sound of dentist’s drill
Researchers at King’s College London, Brunel University and London South Bank University have developed a device that cancels out the noise of the dental drill. The sound of the dental drill is the prime cause of anxiety about dental treatment, with some patients avoiding trips to the dentist because of it. This new device could help address people’s...
PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE: KENYA PIPELINE CASE
Western Kenya (Nairobi-Eldoret) Pipeline extension-Line four- Project implemented by Kenya Pipeline by Kenya Pipeline Company Ltd.—April 2010. 1.0 Introduction Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Ltd is a public entity wholly owned by the Government of Kenya. KPC was formed by an Act of Parliament and started its operations in 1978 after installing a 14 inch diameter...
Electronic device tests brain function in coma patients
Until recently, it took two or three hours to reliably test brain function in coma patients ? and just a handful of well-equipped neurological labs in the world could do it. But now, neuroscientists and engineers at the Canadian National Research Council (NRC) have developed what they are calling the Halifax consciousness scanner (HCS) ? an electronic...
Non-lethal laser defends against pirate attacks
BAE Systems has demonstrated a prototype laser for use by commercial ships to defend against pirate attacks, without causing lasting effects to the assailants. The laser provides a visual warning to pirates at distances of 2km and beyond and disorientates them at close range, so that weapons cannot be targeted effectively. Piracy worldwide...
Industrialists generating their own power
The ever increasing cost of electricity and the rather frequent outages have resulted in industrialists and major organizations generating their own power. “Cost of power is a major concern for every industry, and we don’t see the cost of power coming down. So those who can afford to produce their own electricity are actually going for it,” said...
