Current Status of Geothermal Exploration in Burundi: Contribution to Regional Energy Needs in Central Africa

Abstract

Despite efforts made in the Burundian energy sector, hydropower, the most important energy resources, remains insufficient faced with growing energy needs in the country. Renewable energy resources like geothermal can constitute a solution to overcome this challenge.

Chemical geo-thermometers made on historical data (1969 to 1982) and recent hot springs prospection (2010) point out some geological, structural and physicochemical parameters (faulted Precambrian rocks and recent volcanism context mostly in connection with the rifting, high porosity of thick sediments layers) which indicate the existence of underground heat inside the Great Rift Valley thus providing conditions for geothermal resource development.

However, further investigations in the regional context by new exploration campaigns are required to update available data and to conduct a feasibility study in order to find the underground geothermal source. This program needs modern equipment and experienced interdisciplinary team in geological/geophysical/geochemical exploration.