Enhanced Geothermal Systems Towards Environmental Management in Kenya: Case Study at Olkaria Geothermal Project

Abstract

Given the strength of commodity prices in recent years, concerns over energy security and widening adoption of carbon emission pricing, renewables are well positioned to play growing role in global energy mix. Geothermal energy is on the face of it. By harnessing the heat of the earth, geothermal power plants tap into a virtually inexhaustible and continuous source of energy, using a small footprint facility to provide baseload electricity that is virtually CO2 and waste free. Geothermal projects today center on the exploitation of hydrothermal resources- reservoirs of naturally occurring water. This could change with Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS), a new form of geothermal exploitation being tested in areas that are not hydrothermal. This paper discusses the prospect of Enhanced (or Engineered) Geothermal System as a means to the baseload power generation. It also focuses on the technology behind creating engineered reservoirs; it reviews the environmental impacts as well as possible mitigation measures