Burundi Geothermal Energy Production Project

Abstract

Burundi is a country located within the Eastern African Great Rift Valley. This zone has increased temperature gradients and natural heat stream. Geothermal power plants operating within this geological formation in Kenya and Ethiopia bring about positive results. The results of geological recognition of Burundi area are presented in view of geothermal energy production. With the historical studies made from 1969 to 1982, a description of 15 hot springs, 14 geothermal locations and chemical analysis have been reported. In the Rusizi rift valley, the source temperature rising through the porous sediments at the surface of Ruhwa spring recorded 68 °C. Quartz geo-thermometer application suggested an underground source temperature around 110-120 °C. Discharges arising from sediments were carbon dioxide rich, which confirms the presence of a powerful heat source. An exploitable geothermal source whose temperature lies in the range of 100-160 °C, may exist in the Rusizi valley. Therefore, an anomalously geothermal gradient may be expected in this region. In this aim, a geophysical and drilling exploration project is planned by IRCED company (International Research Center in Engineering for Development) and the ELC Electroconsult S.p.A of Italy, in order to produce an exploitable geothermal energy.