Opportunities for Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy in Eburru Area, Nakuru County in Kenya

Abstract

Kenya is endowed with vast geothermal resources in excess of 10,000MWe, located in the Kenyan Rift. Irrespective of the great energy potential, approximately 677MWe has been harnessed at Olkaria and Eburru Geothermal Fields for electricity generation. Direct utilization of geothermal energy in Kenya has been low, estimated at 22.4MWt. Some of the direct uses in Kenya include greenhouse heating by Oserian Development Company Ltd, pyrethrum drying at Eburru, swimming and bathing at Olkaria Geothermal Spa and Lake Bogoria Spa Resort. This study focuses on some of the opportunities for direct utilization of geothermal energy in Eburru area, where KenGen is currently operating a 2.4MWe Geothermal Wellhead Power Plant. Two shallow wells were drilled during the colonial era at Ex-Peter in Eburru and the local community is using one of the wells to dry pyrethrum in small scale. The other well is no longer in use due to poor maintenance. It is hereby proposed that energy from the two shallow wells at Eburru be used directly for large-scale agricultural drying, geothermal steam bath, pasteurization, poultry hatching and provision of potable water which is a big challenge in the area. The proposed applications of geothermal energy in Eburru will improve the socio-economic life of people living in the area. Further, it will be a platform for knowledge transfer and show-case direct uses of geothermal resources in Kenya.