Geothermal Resource Exploration in Rwanda: A Country Update

Abstract

The Government of Rwanda envisions transitioning from a developing country to a middle income country by 2020 and to a high income country by 2050. To achieve this goal, the government is targeting 100% electricity access by 2024 with 52% on-grid and 48% off-grid. Rwanda has limited indigenous fossil fuels and the small hydro resources are almost fully developed. To resolve the increasing demand of electricity and diversify its energy resources, the government has put its focus in developing the existing potential energy sources from peat, solar, shared hydro sites and methane gas. The current installed generation capacity is 218 MW with 46% electricity access of which 11% off-grid and 35% on-grid. When looking at available options for energy, geothermal energy appears an option, given that the resource is proven and the development cost is acceptable. In 2016, serious investigations for geothermal exploration started and four geothermal prospects, Karisimbi, Gisenyi, Kinigi and Bugarama, were identified. Two exploration wells were drilled in 2013 in Karisimbi prospect and the drilling results led to the elaboration of a new strategy for Rwanda geothermal exploration and development. Currently, detailed surveys are planned for Gisenyi and Bugarama prospects. This paper outlines the background and current status of geothermal exploration including the initiatives for future geothermal resources development in Rwanda.