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.