Chemical Geothermometry and Resource Potential of Low Enthalpy Geothermal Systems in Kenya

Abstract

Low enthalpy geothermal fields occur both within and outside the Kenyan Rift Valley in areas underlain by volcanic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Surface discharge temperatures range from 31°C to 90°C, while estimated reservoir temperatures range from about 60°C to 180°C. Different economic activities in the vicinity of the geothermal fields, chemical compositions of the geothermal floods and reservoir temperatures indicate that the geothermal fields have potential uses in various industrial and agricultural applications, including small scale electric power generation, salt extraction, food processing, animal husbandry, crop drying and refrigeration.