Determinants of energy production on sustainable energy in Olkaria Geothermal and Kenya power stations, Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate energy production determinants on sustainable energy management in Olkaria Geothermal and Kenya Power stations in Nakuru County, Kenya. Energy is one of the most important resources in the growth of an economy. The generation of power is key to the effectiveness of sustainable energy management. Energy production warrants production hence connected to economic development. The specific objectives were: To assess the influences of sources of power on sustainable energy management, to examine the effects of technology and innovation on sustainable energy management, to assess the influence of operational costs on sustainable energy management, and the last objective was to analyze the effects of environment change on sustainable energy management in Olkaria Geothermal and Kenya Power Station, Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was informed by two theories namely; Socio-technical Transitions Approach Theory and Co-evolutionary Approach to Transitions. The study adopted a mixed research design which involved descriptive research design and cross-sectional design. The target population was 359 employees with a stratified sample design. The sample frame was 108 employees being 30% of the total population. The preliminary data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of tables and graphs. Inferential statistics were employed through Pearson‟s Correlation analysis and regression analysis was used to test the study hypotheses at a 5% significance level. The findings indicated no statistically significant relationship between sources of power and sustainable energy (r=0.186; p=0.071). There was however a positive correlation between technology and innovation and sustainable innovation (r=0.219; p=0.033). Similarly, environmental change had a statistically significant relationship with sustainable energy (r=0.286; p=0.005). However, there was a negative correlation between the costs of operation and sustainable energy but a statistically significant relationship between the variables (r=-0.376; p=0.000). Further, the study revealed that cost of operations, technology and innovation, and environmental change have a statistically significant effect on sustainable energy in Olkaria Geothermal and Kenya Power Station, Nakuru County, Kenya (p<0.05). The study recommended that a similar study be conducted to investigate other determinants of energy production and their influence on sustainable energy.