On 14th October 2022 UNIDO ITPO Italy hosted the signing ceremony of the partnership agreement between Unione Geotermica Italiana (UGI) and the Geothermal Association of Kenya (GAK).
This milestone achievement is the result of multiple matchmaking activities carried out by UNIDO ITPO Italy in the framework of the project "Fostering International Partnerships between companies and/or institutions operating in the Energy and Environment sectors" (FIPEE) funded by the Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition (MiTE), and paves the way for an inclusive and sustainable industrial development in the geothermal sector of Kenya and beyond, in line with the mandate of UNIDO and the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Moderated by UNIDO ITPO Italy's Investment Promotion Expert Ms. Ester Temperato, the ceremony opened with the welcome remarks of the Head of UNIDO ITPO Italy Ms. Diana Battaggia, Her Excellency Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Kenya to Italy Ms. Connie Nkatha Maina, and the Focal Point for Bilateral Cooperation Africa - MiTE Mr. Ernesto Fino. Project Coordinator Ms. Valentina Maltese introduced UNIDO ITPO Italy's activities implemented to support geothermal energy in Kenya, and CEO of GAK Mr. Mike Karanja presented the countless investment opportunities in the local sector.
The delegates from Kenya who took part in the UNIDO ITPO Italy study tour on geothermal energy in Larderello and Rome, as well as the several institutions, companies and academia attending the ceremony including Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, Enel Green Power, Steam Group, Solenis, and Sapienza University of Rome had also the opportunity to actively join a round table discussion aimed at promoting collaboration between Italy and Kenya on geothermal energy. After the closing remarks by President of UGI Mr. Bruno Della Vedova, the ceremony concluded with the official signature of the agreement by UGI and GAK.
