Menengai’s Broken Promise: How Kenya’s Geothermal Model Lost the Steam Thematic image of the Olkaria Geothermal Field Kenya’s Menengai geothermal project was sold as a model of modern public-private partnership. The state would carry the difficult and expensive burden of geothermal exploration and drilling. Private power producers would then build, own and operate power plants. Geothermal Development Company would supply the steam; the independent power producers would convert it into electricity; Kenya Power would buy the output. On paper, the arrangement was elegant. In practice, Menengai has exposed a far more uncomfortable reality: Kenya’s public steam-supply model is not delivering the certainty it promised. Menengai Phase I was designed to produce 105 megawatts from three 35 MW plants. GDC’s own project page says the three plants were awarded to Globeleq Menengai Geothermal, Sosian Menengai Geothermal Power and OrPower Twenty Two under a build-own-operate structure. Yet the ...
Geothermal Projects in Africa: Country-wise Overview
By :Robert Buluma
Africa is increasingly turning to geothermal energy as a sustainable solution to meet its growing electricity demands. With abundant geothermal resources spread across the continent, several countries have embarked on ambitious projects to harness this clean and renewable energy source. Let's delve into the geothermal projects in various African countries, highlighting key players and prospects.
Algeria
Algeria is exploring its geothermal potential, particularly in the northern regions. Although in the early stages, initiatives are underway to assess feasibility and potential locations for geothermal power plants.
Burundi
Burundi has shown interest in developing its geothermal resources, primarily in the northwest region near Lake Tanganyika. The government is actively seeking partnerships with international firms to kickstart exploration and development efforts.
Comoros
The Comoros Islands are situated in a geologically active zone, making them potentially suitable for geothermal energy production. However, projects are still in the planning stages, with feasibility studies being conducted to determine viability. Steam Srl is one of the international companies already agitating for this Comorian resource.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The DRC possesses significant geothermal potential, particularly in the eastern regions near the Great Rift Valley. Despite political and infrastructural challenges, the government is exploring opportunities for geothermal development with assistance from international organizations. Congo other than going down in history as the first country to ever explore Africas Geothermal prospects this wells are pots of gold rich in Uranium,Titanium,Lithium and Hydrogen same reason why there is no peace in this region however things always change and the country will eventually find time to explore its resources.
Egypt
Egypt has embarked on geothermal exploration projects in the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea region. The government aims to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, presenting opportunities for geothermal investment and development. Egypt's Geothermal wells are rich in Lithium and the country oil and gas wells could be repurposed or Geothermal could be harnessed hybridly With oil.
Eritrea
Eritrea is actively exploring its geothermal potential, primarily in the Danakil Depression region. Feasibility studies and exploration activities are ongoing, laying the groundwork for potential geothermal power generation projects in the future.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a frontrunner in geothermal development in Africa, with several operational projects and ambitious expansion plans. The country's Rift Valley region is rich in geothermal resources, attracting investment from both domestic and international firms. The country has one of the best mineral policies globally courtesy of competence at its geothermal realm.
Kenya
Kenya is a global leader in geothermal energy production, with well-established projects in the Rift Valley region. Companies like KenGen and OrPower 4 are actively involved in exploration, development, and operation of geothermal power plants, contributing significantly to the country's electricity generation capacity. Today Kenya is 5MW short of reaching the 1GW geothermal mantra. It has really tried however there is still alot of prospects and projects still to be fasttracked. Kenya's Geothermal alone can power Africa, Cool Arabic countries, Heat South America, and still Europe will get its Flowers from the Geothermal greenhouses.
Madagascar
Madagascar is exploring its geothermal potential in the central highlands and eastern regions. The government has initiated feasibility studies and is seeking partnerships to accelerate geothermal development efforts.
Malawi
Malawi has begun assessing its geothermal resources, particularly along the East African Rift System. While still in the early stages, there is growing interest in exploiting geothermal energy to bolster the country's energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
Morocco
Morocco is actively pursuing geothermal projects, primarily in the Atlas Mountains and northern regions. The government's focus on renewable energy development presents opportunities for geothermal exploration and investment in the country.
Mozambique
Mozambique has potential geothermal resources along its Rift Valley region. While projects are in the preliminary stages, the government is exploring partnerships to advance geothermal exploration and development activities. Given that Moz is reach in Oil and Gas this country can still reap big when it comes to geothermal energy through repurposing of its oil and gas wells.
Nigeria
Nigeria is tapping into its geothermal potential, particularly in the central and northern regions. With support from organizations like the World Bank, the government is advancing geothermal exploration and development initiatives to diversify the country's energy mix given that it has a higher reliance on fossils but still you ever heard of oil and gas wells being tapped for geothermal. You should by now.
Rwanda
Rwanda is actively exploring geothermal resources in the Western Rift Valley region. The government has prioritized renewable energy development, creating an enabling environment for geothermal investment and project development. Rwanda just like Ethiopia it has one of the best Energy policies in this region. More than once the country has been trying to go Nuclear but its clear Geothermal will be the Rwandanian Energy prince.
South Africa
South Africa has geothermal potential in its Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces. While still in the early stages, exploration activities are underway to assess feasibility and identify suitable locations for geothermal power generation.
South Sudan
South Sudan possesses geothermal potential in the East African Rift System. Despite challenges related to political instability and infrastructure, there is growing interest in harnessing geothermal energy to support economic development and energy access initiatives. Given that this country is rich in oil and gas with minerals taking a centre stage its a no brainer that Geothermal is the vital ingredient.
Tanzania
Tanzania has significant geothermal resources in the East African Rift System, particularly in the Rift Valley region. The government has partnered with international organizations and private firms to accelerate geothermal exploration and development efforts.
Uganda
Uganda is exploring geothermal resources in the Western Rift Valley region. With support from organizations like the African Development Bank, the government is advancing geothermal projects to enhance energy security and promote sustainable development. Goes without saying that Uganda has its own oil reserves so what happens when this oil gets depleated? Geothermal ofcourse. We dont even have to wait we can tap this two resources in one take.
Zambia
Zambia has geothermal potential along its portion of the East African Rift System. While still in the early stages, the government is exploring opportunities for geothermal development to diversify the country's energy sources and meet growing electricity demand.
You'd like to have a grasp of geothermal projects in Poland , you can read this article Status of Geothermal in Poland
Tunisia
This country has been exporting Tomatoes from its Geothermal greenhouses and reaping big. Its geothermal potential is yet to be explored but having visited the area,its temperatures are promising.
Other Countries
Some of the other countries with Geothermal manifestations in Africa whose People are still oblivious of this pot of gold are scattered within the continent.
Africa holds immense geothermal potential, and countries across the continent are increasingly recognizing the importance of harnessing this clean and renewable energy source. While challenges persist, ongoing exploration and development efforts, coupled with favorable government policies and international partnerships, are driving the expansion of geothermal projects in Africa, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
Related: The $500 Billion Geothermal Revolution that no one saw coming.
Source: Alphaxioms
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