An appraisal study of the geothermal potential of the Kenya Rift

Abstract

The Kenya rift is located on the East African Rift System, Kenya boasts of massive geothermal prospects, with over 15,000 MWe potential from some estimates. Of these, only 204 MWe of geothermal power is currently exploited with Olkaria Geothermal Field the only prospect being tapped. Geothermal Development Company (GDC) moved in to expand geothermal generating capacity and projects 5,000 MWe by the year 2030. There are fourteen high temperature gradient sites along the Kenyan Rift Valley, located on the volcanic centers with more prospective sites at different stages of development. The different exploration studies conducted in these sites is discussed in this report and the general potential of the Kenya Rift determined. Hydropower is currently the predominant mode of electricity production in the region (70%), yet recent droughts and silting of reservoirs pose questions concerning the reliability of these resources. Thermal production through petroleum (Diesel) is used for mitigation purposes to compensate for Hydropower. Volatile oil prices and high import costs make diesel based power production very costly. Therefore, to decrease imports and save on foreign exchange in the face of the increasingly recurring severe droughts, it is important for the region avoid relying solely on hydroelectricity and to make geothermal energy generation a complementary part of future development. Most of the East African countries with geothermal potential are turning to their own indigenous resources to help them meet their growing energy needs. Geothermal energy presents a clean and more environmentally friendly alternative to more traditional fuels. It’s for this reason that this report ties to quantify the geothermal potential of the Kenya rift and arrive to an absolute value based on the numerous techniques used in the exploration of the geothermal resources. Direct uses of the geothermal resources are also mentioned in the conclusion and their benefits if exploited.