TOPIC 'Geothermal Energy' on Oct 17, 2008 (CEST)
Geothermal Offers the Answer for Kenya
Hidden beneath the terrain of much of Kenya is a prime resource that will allow the country to tap into geothermal energy sources. This could be the much-needed answer to the country’s current crisis of electricity costs. Geothermal energy resources are only in the beginning stages of being mined for use. It is estimated that under Kenya’s surface, there lies a potential to claim 7000 MW of steam for energy.
Two power plants are under construction and they each will generate 35 MW of usable power once they are up and running. One of them is anticipated to be completed by the end of October 2008. The other geothermal plant is not expected to be finished until mid-2010.
The financing for drilling the wells was provided in the current year’s budget by the Ministry of Energy. It is estimated that 42 wells will be needed for the current project at the Olkaria IV plant. One well costs Sh400 million. Although drilling the wells to pump out geothermal energy might sound expensive, it will be infinitely cheaper in the long run as an alternative energy option, rather than continuing on the path of using fossil fuels. Also, it will be a much safer choice for the planet and the environment. Germany and the World Bank are contributing donations and loans to Kenya to boost its geothermal program.
Drilling a well and “priming” a geothermal area to be ready for utilization takes about five years. Therefore, planning and forethought has to be put in place now to reap the benefits from geothermal technology as soon as possible. A worker at the Olkaria geothermal plant has stated that the entirety of Kenya’s electricity needs can be met through geothermal resources.
Northwest of Nairobi, in the town of Naivasha, is an area of hot water 6,500 feet below the surface whose steam can be piped up through the ground to the top of the soil and captured to use as a power source. This is part of the Olkaria plant. Other areas that the Energy Permanent Secretary, Patrick Nyoike, is looking at for potential well-drilling sites are Longonot, Menengai, Suswa, and North Rift.
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
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