Current Status and the Way Forward for Geothermal Exploration in Burundi

Abstract

Burundi is currently being confronted by energy challenges largely due to factors relating to climatic fluctuations. The negative climatic effects have led to highly variable precipitation patterns hence affecting significantly the hydropower production which is the main source of energy for Burundi. More complications have arisen due to the growing energy market in the country that is largely going unsatisfied. This has necessitated considerations for other sources of energy for reliability and bridging the countries deficit. As one of the solution, geothermal energy is being looked into. Geothermal exploration studies in Burundi have been conducted since 1969 where studies mainly on geology has resulted in geothermal manifestations like hot springs being mapped.