Skip to main content

Geothermal Projects In Africa, Countries Overview

 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.

Our Business Intelligence team comprises of Geothermal champions drawn all over the world with the main intent of guiding investors to the best Geothermal prospects one has ever come across.

Source: Alphaxioms

Connect with us: LinkeidIn ,X

Comments

Popular posts

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico A Game-Changer for AI, Clean Energy, and the Future By Robert Buluma – Alphaxioms Energy Blog In a bold move that signals the future of energy and technology convergence, XGS Energy and Meta Platforms, Inc. have announced a groundbreaking agreement to develop 150 megawatts (MW) of next-generation geothermal energy in New Mexico. This partnership not only promises to reshape the state's energy landscape but also underscores the growing demand for sustainable, round-the-clock power to fuel the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven economies. Clean Power Without Water – XGS’s Unique Edge At the heart of this partnership lies XGS Energy’s proprietary solid-state geothermal technology. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely heavily on water and specific geological conditions, XGS’s innovation enables electricity production from hot, dry rock  with zero operating water use. This water-inde...

Driving the UK Toward Net Zero: Chris Sladen on Geothermal’s Untapped Potential

Alphaxioms, we talked to Chris Sladen about his involvement in geothermal both in the UK, and globally By:  Robert Buluma Chris, please begin by explaining a little about yourself, and why you have a passion for geothermal? I have spent over 45 years involved in energy. Following undergraduate studies in geology at Southampton University, and a PhD in sedimentology at Reading University, I joined the energy sector in Aberdeen in 1980. It was a fascinating era when it seemed like at least one giant oil & gas field was discovered offshore every month; the wealth creation for the UK was gigantic. I got to see so much geology and rocks - my true passion. I moved to China in late 1983; not today’s China, this was over 40 years ago, a country closed for decades and embarking on an open-door policy, in part to bring both investment and technology. I became very interested in energy trends, energy politics, and new geography created by changing politics leading to opportunities for ene...

Turboden to Deliver 180 MW of Gen-2 ORC Plants for Fervo’s Cape Station Geothermal Project in Utah

Turboden ,  Fervo and the Future of Geothermal: 180 MW of Gen-2 ORC Plants for Cape Station, Utah By:  Robert Buluma October 2, 2025    In a landmark move for clean energy and geothermal power, Turboden America LLC   the U.S. arm of Turboden S.p.A. (a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group company)  has been selected to supply 180 MW of Gen-2 Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plants for Fervo Energy’s Cape Station geothermal project in Utah. A New Milestone in Geothermal Deployment This award relates to Phase II of the Cape Station development, following  Turboden’s earlier participation in Phase I. Under Phase II, Turboden will provide three ORC units , each with a gross output of 60 MWe, summing to 180 MWe. Once installed and operational (targeted by 2028), these Gen-2 units will bring the total ORC capacity on site to 300 MWe , making Cape Station one of the largest geothermal installations globally. The earlier Phase I installation, invol...

XGS Energy Achieves 3,000-Hour Milestone in Geothermal Innovation

XGS Energy  Achieves 3,000-Hour Milestone for Water-Independent Geothermal System By : Robert Buluma HOUSTON, Sept 30, 2025 – In a groundbreaking achievement for the geothermal sector, XGS Energy has announced the successful 3,000-hour operation of its water-independent geothermal system at commercial scale. This milestone not only validates the system’s commercial economics but also positions XGS as the first company to demonstrate such technology under real-world, commercial conditions. A New Era in Geothermal Innovation The operations took place at the Coso Geothermal Field in California’s Western Mojave Desert, a site owned by Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure and operated by Coso Operating Company. XGS Energy  revitalized a well that had been idle for over two decades, installing its proprietary closed-loop geothermal system enhanced by Thermal Reach Enhancement (TRE) technology. Flow testing delivered a record performance, maintaining a sustained temperature differenc...

From Iceland to the World: A Geothermal Engineer’s Journey

A Global Journey in Geothermal: Insights from an Industry Expert From Iceland’s pioneering geothermal plants to Kenya’s wellhead projects and Indonesia’s remote fields, few By: Robert Buluma Image: Lydur skulason with a geothermal well head  professionals have had as wide-ranging a journey in geothermal as Lydur Skulason With decades of hands-on experience in marine engineering, power plant operations, and international project management, he has combined technical expertise with global collaboration to help shape the sector’s growth. In this conversation, he shares lessons from his career, insights on geothermal innovation, and his vision for the future of clean energy. Career & Experience Can you walk us through your career in geothermal and how it began? I began my career in Iceland, where geothermal energy is a natural part of daily life and a cornerstone of the national energy system. After studying Marine Engineering and Mechanical Technology at  Reykjavik Univ...

Eavor and SLB Partners To Develop Eavor Loop Technology

Eavor  & SLB : Unlocking a Revolution in Clean Energy Production By:  Robert Buluma Image: The SLB & Eavor Team at Geretsried Imagine a world where energy is not only clean but also consistent, dependable, and accessible worldwide. This vision is becoming a reality, thanks to an innovative partnership between  Eavor Technologies and  SLB (formerly Schlumberger). Together, they are pioneering a groundbreaking approach to harnessing renewable energy, promising to redefine how we produce and consume power and heat. At the heart of this collaboration lies Eavor 's revolutionary technology, the Eavor-Loop™, a closed-loop geothermal system that is unlike anything seen before. The partnership reached a critical milestone recently at Getesried, the home of the first commercial Eavor-Loop™, where the SLB and Eavor teams met to celebrate this transformative project. What Is the Eavor-Loop™? The Eavor -Loop™ is a closed-loop geothermal system that eliminates the tradi...

Cornish Lithium Secures £35M to Advance Geothermal Lithium and Critical Mineral Projects in the UK

Cornish Lithium  Secures £35M in Equity Funding  A Milestone for UK Critical Minerals By:  Robert Buluma In a major boost for the UK’s domestic battery supply ambitions,  Cornish Lithium has announced that it has secured £35 million in new equity funding. This capital raise is intended to propel its key projects closer to construction and commercial stages, marking a pivotal moment in the firm’s trajectory. Backing & Investors The funding round is led by existing institutional backers, with up to £31 million coming from the National Wealth Fund (NWF) , and approximately £4 million from TechMet , a long-standing investor in the company. Cornish Lithium’s legal counsel for the deal was Mayer Brown. What the Funds Will Be Used For Cornish Lithium will allocate the capital toward advancing two flagship projects: Trelavour Lithium Project : The funds will support further engineering work, feasibility studies, and help lead the project toward a construction...

Unlocking Geothermal Power: Subsurface Secrets of Mount Erciyes Revealed”

Mount Erciyes: A Hidden Geothermal Treasure Beneath Cappadocia By: Robert Buluma Beneath the snow-capped slopes of Mount Erciyes , central Turkey’s highest peak, lies more than just volcanic history  it harbors the promise of geothermal energy . A new study published in the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research has mapped the subsurface of Erciyes using three-dimensional magnetotelluric (MT) imaging , revealing zones of high electrical conductivity that point to heat, fluids, and possible magma bodies deep underground. Cracking the Code Beneath the Mountain Researchers led by S.B. Tank used advanced MT techniques to peer beneath Erciyes and its surroundings. Their results uncovered conductivity anomalies   regions where electricity flows more easily due to the presence of saline fluids, hot water, or partially molten rock . For geothermal experts, these anomalies are gold. They act as subsurface fingerprints of geothermal reservoirs , highlighting where heat ...

Pertamina Geothermal & Toyota: A New Chapter for Green Hydrogen in Indonesia

Jakarta, September 2025   In a move that could change how Indonesia leverages its enormous geothermal endowment, PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk  (PGE) and PT  Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) signed a joint declaration to develop a green hydrogen ecosystem in Indonesia.  By:  Robert Buluma The announcement  made at the 11th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition (IIGCE) in Jakarta  signals an ambition to turn geothermal heat into a strategic feedstock for low-carbon fuels and industrial feedstocks, not just electricity. Why this matters Indonesia sits on some of the world’s richest geothermal resources. Traditionally those resources have been used to generate baseload electricity; PGE’s partnership with Toyota broadens the conversation: use geothermal power and heat to produce green hydrogen, then convert that hydrogen into transport fuels, ammonia, methanol, or industrial hydrogen for heavy industry. That pivot...