Kenya intends to enhance the utilization of geothermal resources for electricity generation and diversify to other innovative direct uses such as recreational, agricultural and industrial applications, among others.
The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Dr. Eng. Joseph Njoroge, revealed this in his remarks to participants during the official opening of the two-day International Forum on Geothermal Technology at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
Eng. Joseph Njoroge, who was represented by the Ministry’s Chief Geologist, Mr. Chrispin Lupe, further observed that this year’s conference theme, “Technological Framework and Innovations for Sustainable Development of Geothermal Resources,” was relevant to the current status of the geothermal development in the rift region, “as the country intends to enhance the utilization of geothermal resources for electricity generation and diversity to other innovative direct uses such as recreational, agricultural and industrial applications among others.”
Given that the forum’s objective is “to structure target research areas and frameworks for future collaboration,” the Chief Guest was hopeful, workable cooperation areas and frameworks will be arrived at to enable the region to cope with emerging issues pertaining to sustainability in geothermal development.
“This will require constant human interactions and interventions in areas such as capacity building, reservoir engineering to improve success rates in drilling programmes, efficient power generation technology, optimizing fluid re-injection and recharge and minimizing loss through evaporation to ensure sustainable exploitation of geothermal resources,” said Eng. Njoroge.
Success in the sphere of power generation and direct use of application of geothermal energy will require appropriate policy and regulatory framework, scientific/technological research linked to industry requirements and above all, adequate skilled human capital. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology supported by JICA and Kyushu University is already setting the pace for continuous training at university level,” the PS, stated.
The Ministry, he reiterated, was focused on continued cooperation and development in the geothermal sector through technological advancement and home grown innovation as key driver for sustainable development of geothermal resources in Kenya and Africa as a whole.
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