Factors influencing timely completion of geothermal wells; a case of Menengai geothermal prospects site in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Geothermal energy is present everywhere on earth because temperature increases with depth and is one of the few renewable energy resources that can provide continuous power with minimal visual and other environmental impacts. Geothermal systems have a small footprint and comparatively less carbon dioxide emissions. Geothermal power is a potential major source of power in Kenya; The Kenyan government with aid of donors has taken deliberate steps towards harnessing this power in line with the development goals and vision 2030. While executing the plans time is of great importance and the drilling of geothermal wells in Menengai Geothermal Prospects has been falling behind schedule significantly, thus threatening the time value of the goals. This study researched on the factors influencing timely completion of geothermal wells in Menengai Geothermal Prospect Site in Nakuru. The objective of this research was to establish the extent to which human factors, procurement process and maintenance of the rig and equipment influence timely completion of geothermal wells in Menengai Geothermal Prospects Site in Nakuru County, Kenya. Literature relating to the factors under study was sort and a further comparison of operations on a drilling rig and a mechanized manufacturing plant was made especially in areas of human operations and maintenance of equipment. A survey was conducted on the employees of GDC working at the geothermal site at Menengai Crater where purposive sampling design was used to select 112 respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect the data which was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS) and presented in a tabular summaries form. Correlation was used in establishing relationship between selected variables and chi-square tests were employed in rejecting or failing to reject hypotheses stated. The study revealed that human factors and maintenance of rig and equipment did not have significant influence on timely completion of geothermal wells in Menengai Geothermal Prospects Site. In addition procurement process influenced very much timely completion of geothermal wells in Menengai Geothermal Prospects Site. Furthermore, formation characteristics may have significant influence on the timely completion of geothermal wells. The researcher recommends a further scientific study on the influence of formation characteristics on timely completion of geothermal wells in Menengai Geothermal Prospects Site as the respondents felt there was a significant influence. The results of this study will be important to the Kenyan Government and Geothermal Development Company (GDC) as they strive towards providing cost effective and affordable energy with the aim of fulfilling vision 2030 and also to the donors who have come on board to support the exploration and development of geothermal energy in Menengai Geothermal Prospects. Furthermore this study will provide literature for scholars for future studies.