For decades, many farmers across the region have faced unpredictable fertiliser prices, high import costs, and erratic supply chains. However, a groundbreaking innovation recently realised in Kenya is transforming the way energy and agriculture intersect. Now, geothermal power can be utilised to produce ammonia and fertiliser locally, rendering the high costs and supply chain inconsistencies concerns of the past.

 

 Developed by KenGen in partnership with China’s Kaishan Group, the fertiliser plant will use around 165 megawatts of geothermal power from Olkaria to synthesise green ammonia, which is then converted into fertiliser, projected at up to 480,000 tonnes annually. This development reflects a broader transformation in which clean energy and technology are woven into the fabric of daily life and livelihoods. 

 

The green fertiliser plant will use steam to produce ammonia, the key ingredient in most fertilisers, without relying on fossil fuels. Through this process, renewable energy is directly linked to food production, demonstrating how sustainable technologies can drive both environmental and economic progress.

 

Locally produced fertiliser powered by renewable energy offers a path toward greater stability, affordability, and independence. It means that food producers can plan with confidence, grow more sustainably, and reduce the costs that often strain smallholder farmers.

 

What makes this project especially significant is its “green” foundation. Conventional fertiliser production is heavily dependent on natural gas and coal, releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. By using geothermal energy, the new facility drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions, cutting more than half a million tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to removing over 100,000 cars from the road. The result is an agricultural solution that not only feeds communities but also protects the planet.

 

This shift carries three broad benefits that extend well beyond agriculture itself:

 

1. Empowering communities and strengthening livelihoods

 Sustainable fertiliser production opens new opportunities for employment, training, and innovation. Thousands of jobs are expected to be created in construction, operations, and maintenance, boosting local economies. Farmers will gain access to more reliable fertiliser supplies, leading to improved yields and incomes. This ripple effect can enhance food security, reduce poverty, and strengthen community resilience in both rural and peri-urban areas.

 

2. Pioneering a new model of clean industrial growth

 The project demonstrates how renewable energy can be the foundation for modern manufacturing. Instead of using fossil fuels to power industries, geothermal energy provides a clean, consistent, and locally available source of power. This model of clean industrialisation could be replicated across the region, where abundant natural resources, such as geothermal energy, wind, and sunlight, offer immense potential. It signals a future in which sustainability and economic growth are not in conflict but in harmony.

 

3. Building a greener, more resilient regional economy

 Producing fertiliser locally means fewer imports, lower transport emissions, and greater control over supply chains. It also aligns with global shifts toward sustainable production and trade, giving local products a competitive advantage in international markets. By reducing dependence on external inputs and fossil fuels, the region strengthens its resilience against economic shocks and environmental challenges.

 

Beyond its technical achievements, the green fertiliser innovation carries a powerful message: the transition to sustainable development is already underway. It shows that the tools to tackle climate change and food insecurity can be homegrown, drawing on local resources and ingenuity. With the right policies and partnerships, such innovations can be scaled to benefit millions, supporting not only agriculture but also the broader goals of clean energy, decent work, and environmental restoration.

Of course, the journey ahead requires commitment. Ensuring equitable access to affordable fertiliser, empowering smallholder farmers, and building the infrastructure to distribute products efficiently will be critical. But the foundation has been laid. The combination of renewable energy and local manufacturing represents a new chapter in how societies can grow food, create jobs, and protect natural resources simultaneously.

 

This is a glimpse into a future where sustainability is practical, profitable, and inclusive. The green fertiliser initiative embodies the spirit of innovation and self-reliance that is driving transformation across East Africa and beyond. As geothermal steam powers the production of clean, green fertiliser, it symbolises something more profound: the energy of a region ready to cultivate its own sustainable future, one harvest at a time.