Scholz’s visit to Kenya yields possible new ‘climate club’ member, geothermal power exchange

Kenya has signalled its interest in becoming the first African nation in an international ‘climate club’ of countries agreeing on tighter climate action rules that was proposed by German chancellor Olaf Scholz. During a visit by Scholz to the east African country, Kenya’s president William Ruto said his government is ready to consider participating in the ‘climate club’. According to Germany’s economy and climate action ministry, Kenya would be a fitting addition to the group of countries, as it is among those most active in building up a sustainable energy system. “Kenya already sources 90 percent of its energy from renewables. By 2030, the share is supposed to be 100 percent. Kenya’s experiences in building up renewable power and the green economy are highly valuable for other countries as well,” the ministry said in a statement. Developing and industrialised countries need to intensify cooperation to address the climate crisis, the ministry added.

In Kenya, part of a three-day trip to several African nations, chancellor Scholz also visited a geothermal power plant, a technology that Kenya is using extensively thanks to its availability in the volcanic African Rift Valley region. Germany should take the African country as an inspiration to intensify its own geothermal power activities, which according to Scholz “is possible at more locations in Germany than many believe today,” public broadcaster ARD reported. The chancellor said Germany ought to reconsider the technology’s role in its own energy transition. “With modern exploration technology, we can tell much better whether drillings will be successful,” Scholz argued.