Kindaruma Hydroelectric Power Station
The Kindaruma Hydroelectric Power Station, also Kindaruma Dam is an embankment dam with two gravity dam sections on the Tana River in Kenya. It straddles the border of Embu and Machakos counties in Kenya. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation and it supports a 72 megawatts (97,000 hp) power station. It is Kenya's first post-independence hydroelectric power plant. It was commissioned in 1968 as part of the Seven Forks Scheme. The power station is operated by Kenya Electricity Generating Company.[2]
| Kindaruma Hydroelectric Power Station | |
|---|---|
  Location of Kindaruma Hydroelectric Power Station in Kenya | |
| Country | Kenya |
| Location | Embu County/Kitui County |
| Coordinates | 00°48′38″S 37°48′46″E |
| Purpose | Power |
| Status | Operational |
| Opening date | 1968 |
| Owner(s) | Kenya Electricity Generating Company |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Embankment |
| Impounds | Tana River |
| Height | 24 m (79 ft) |
| Length | 549 m (1,801 ft) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Kindaruma Lake |
| Total capacity | 18,300,000 m3 (14,800 acre⋅ft) |
| Surface area | 10 km2 (3.9 sq mi)[1] |
| Kindaruma Hydroelectric Power Station | |
| Coordinates | 00°48′38″S 37°48′46″E |
| Operator(s) | Kenya Electricity Generating Company |
| Commission date | 1968/2012 |
| Turbines | 3 x 24 MW, 2 (Units 1 & 2) Kaplan-type & 1 (Unit 3) Fixed Blade Propeller Type |
| Installed capacity | 72 MW (97,000 hp) |
Between 2007 and 2013 the power station underwent a rehabilitation and upgrade which increased its installed capacity from 40 MW to 72 MW.[3] In June 2012 a third Kaplan turbine-generator, rated at 24 MW, was commissioned. In January and June 2013, the original two 20 MW Kaplan turbine-generators were upgraded to 24 MW each.[4]
See also
- Gitaru Dam – upstream
- Kiambere Dam – downstream
- List of power stations in Kenya
- List of hydropower stations in Africa
References
- Marie Giasson, Jean-Louis Gaudet (1989). Summary of Proceedings and Selected Papers (Issue 425 of FAO Fisheries Report Series ed.). Food & Agriculture Org. p. 39. ISBN 9251028710.
- "Kindaruma Power Station". Kengen. Archived from the original on 12 May 2016. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- "Kindaruma Hydropower Station Taking-Over Ceremony for Rehabilitated and Uprated Unit No. 1". norplanhp.com/. Archived from the original on 4 January 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
- Wahito, Margaret (24 June 2013). "Kindaruma upgrade enhances power supply". Capital Digital Media. Retrieved 22 February 2015.