Pertamina withdraws plans to invest on geothermal project in Kenya
The steam gathering system in Menengai geothermal field, Kenya (source: GDC)
Carlo Cariaga
2 Mar 2026
Pertamina Geothermal Energy has withdrawn from plans to invest and co-develop the Suswa geothermal field in Kenya, stating that the investment was unprofitable.
Pertamina New & Renewable Energy, through PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGEO), has announced that it will be canceling its plan invest and co-develop a geothermal field in Kenya with the Geothermal Development Company (GDC). Company officials stated that they had concluded that the investment was unprofitable, and will instead look for other opportunities.
In 2024, the two companies announced a plan to explore a partnership for the joint development of two geothermal fields in Kenya, starting with Suswa. The Indonesian-based developer and operator had initially expressed its intention to expand to several countries with an initial focus on Kenya. This is in line with the company’s mission of being a world-class developer and building a 1-GW geothermal power portfolio.
According to the 2024 release, the companies were still at the phase of discussing the technical study of the Suswa geothermal field. Pertamina NRE President Director John Anis now says that the company has withdrawn because “the investment was not good.” He further added that Pertamina always seeks to establish a single majority stake in the geothermal projects they develop, but that this will only be considered following positive results from due diligence.
Meanwhile, development of the Suswa geothermal field is still progressing under GDC. Earlier this year, the government-owned company mobilized its drilling rigs to start the exploration drilling campaign in Suswa. This will be the third geothermal field to be developed and operated by GDC in Kenya, following Menengai and Baringo-Silali.
Source: Hijau Bisnis
