Status and Challenges in Training on Geothermal Energy in Africa

Abstract

In an increasingly competitive global operating environment we must educate and train the very best people, then make sure that they are employed effectively in the interests of industry and of society as a whole. The geothermal industry relies on a spectrum of professionals with varying technical backgrounds and experience. Hitherto, no geothermal training institutions existed in Africa and the majority of geothermal energy professionals currently working in the continent have attended courses at various international geothermal schools, including the United Nations University in Iceland, the University of Iceland, Pisa University in Italy, Kyushu University in Japan and the Geothermal Institute of Auckland in New Zealand, utilising financial sponsorship of the host institutions, international and bilateral agencies. Kenya is leading in Africa in the development of geothermal resources, largely due to government commitment and well trained workers. Large investments have been made in training local personnel in geothermal exploration development and production activities. The creation of a Geothermal Training Institute in Kenya was therefore envisaged to be an important contribution to address the technical capacity and confidence barriers through shared experience and technical assistance in geothermal exploration, exploitation and utilization in the region. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology with support from the Geothermal Development Company of Kenya and the Kenya Electricity Generating Company has taken the challenge of establishing a Geothermal Training and Research Institute (GeTRI), which will train a new generation of geoscientists, engineers and business leaders in all aspects of geothermal energy production. In this paper, we share the successes and challenges encountered in setting up the geothermal training facility for the East African region