Potential of Direct Use of Geothermal Energy in Uganda

Abstract

The main geothermal energy prospects currently under investigations in Uganda include Kibiro, Panyimur, Buranga and Katwe. The results so far indicate reservoir temperatures up to 200 degrees centigrade capable of producing electricity and several cascaded direct uses. The geothermal energy can be used in drying and preservation of fish from Lake Edward, Lake George, Lake Albert Kazinga Channel, River Semuliki and surrounding swamps. Uganda being an agricultural country, the geothermal energy can also be used in drying of cash crops like cereals, cotton, coffee, produce (maize, beans, cow peas, ground nuts e.t.c), cassava, palm oil, cocoa, tea and curing tea and tobacco commonly grown in the vicinity of the geothermal fields. Geothermal heat can be used to extract salt from the brines of the salt lakes in Katwe field (Lakes: Katwe, Munyanyenge, Nyamunuka, Bunyampaka, Omurumuri, Kitagata, Mahiga nad Kikorongo) and brines produced from Kibiro saline soils. Geothermal heat may also be used in pasteurization of milk especially for the cattle farmers in the Basongora communities (in the vicinity of Katwe), Batuku (who are close to Buranga) and Baraaro who live close to Kibiro and Panyimur prospects. There is high potential for tourism facilities like spas that can be established in geothermal fields close to the National Parks like Katwe, Buranga and Panyimur. Green houses for commercial flower and other crops production is another potential area. Geothermal heat close to oil fields may also be used to heating crude petroleum pipelines in Kaiso-Tonya and Rhino Camp oil and gas fields as it is transported to the Kabale oil refinery located on the shoulder of the Albertine Graben.