PRIORITIZATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GEOTHERMAL FIELDS: THE KENYAN CONTEXT

Abstract

Geothermal  is  considered  to  be  a  green,  clean  and  one  of  the  most  reliable  sources of  energy  globally  for electric power generation and direct utilization. Kenya is endowed with vast high- and medium- temperature geothermal resources located  mainly  along  the  Kenyan rift,  and parts  of Coast,  Central  and Nyanza  regions, with  a  potential  in  excess  of  10,000  MWe.  In  the  Kenya’s  2011–2031  Least  Cost  Power  Development  Plan (LCPDP)  geothermal  resources  are  considered  the  choice  for  the  future  generating  capacity.  The  optimum solution indicates that geothermal sources will contribute at least 5000 MWe out of the total projected 15,000 MWe by the year 2031. Currently, geothermal contributes a total of 212 MWe of power to the national grid accounting  for 14  % of the  total  power generated.  In  order to  achieve  the  projected  5000 MWe, additional geothermal prospects/fields  have been  identified and earmarked  for development.  This  paper describes  the determining factors of prioritizing geothermal prospects/fields for development in Kenya. 

Key words: geothermal energy, prioritization, electric power, geoscientific, drilling, Kenyan Rift