The role and potential of geothermal energy in countries along the East African Rift System (EARS), geographically extending from Eastern to Southern Africa, is reviewed. The general objective of the review is the state-of-the-art on the geothermal resource development in selected East African Countries crossed by the Eastern branch of the EARS: Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. The focus is on geothermal activities aimed at generating electric power by using either flashing or Organic Rankine Cycle plants with geothermal fluids extracted from medium to high temperature hydrothermal systems. The business models implemented are discussed, in relation with the peculiar features of the geothermal energy which is characterized by important initial investments and limited operating and maintenance expenditures, as most of the renewable energy sources, but having peculiar remarkable mining risks mainly related to the exploration drilling phase. Constraints delaying a more widespread use of geothermal energy for electric power generation in East Africa are addressed. A review of the present status of geothermal development initiatives underway in each of the 5 countries is presented, distinguishing between the different phases of resource development.
HIGHLIGHTS
Geothermal energy may contribute to the energy mix of East African countries
Most of EARS geothermal resources are concentrated on the Eastern Branch
Djibouti is accelerating the efforts for the development of its first geothermal field
The large resources of Ethiopia are starting to be developed
Kenya is proceeding on its successful path for a sound and accelerated development
KEYWORDS Geothermal energy, Geothermal potential, East Africa, East Africa Rift System