Directions of Energy Balance Improvement in Burundi in the Aspect of Geothermal Energy Resources

Abstract

Burundi is a country located within the Eastern African Great Rift Valley. This zone has increased temperature gradients and natural heat stream of Earth. Geothermal power plants operate within this geological formation in Kenya and Ethiopia. They bring about positive results therefore are being still developed. The results of geological recognition of Burundi area are presented in view of geothermal energy production for electricity generation. The Burundi energy balance is presented. Large amounts of energy are imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The directions of electrical energy use and sources of its production are described. Simultaneously, in a number of cases, electricity is used for heating (tap water) and cooling purposes (e.g. in Bujumbura hotels). Part of the used electrical energy could be saved in Burundi if heat pumps were applied. The paper presents an analysis of work conditions of heat pumps with borehole heat exchangers for heating/cooling purposes in a given hotel. The analysis shows mathematically evaluated prognosis of the use of BHE systems for cooling and heating. For improving electricity use in Burundi air heat pumps is recomended for heating tap water and cooling.