Sustainable Exploitation of Geothermal Energy: Case Study of the Olkaria East Geothermal Field, Olkaria, Kenya

Abstract

Geothermal Energy remains one of the best green sources of energy in Kenya as it currently contributes the single largest energy source at slightly over 40% of all the interconnected grid Energy in Kenya. Other major sources of Energy in Kenya include hydro-electric power, wind, biomass and thermal. KenGen PLC being the leading and largest power generator in the country boasts of not only leading in Hydro-electric power generation but also leads in terms of Geothermal Energy. Its Geothermal Energy generation is close to 800MW thus constitutes about 80% of the Kenya’s geothermal energy. For this geothermal energy to continue being useful and sustainable, prudent reservoir (resource) management is encouraged. KenGen PLC has been generating geothermal power since 1981 in their Olkaria geothermal field. Its generation has increased from the initial 15MW to the current 797MW. This development has been done step wise with rapid expansion being witnessed in the last 10 or so years. This rapid expansion has come with its own technical, social and environmental challenges. However, it is noted that KenGen has initiated a number of strategies in ensuring the sustainability of their geothermal resource. These strategies have included geothermal fluid re-injection (both cold and hot), periodic production wells monitoring and modelling, systematic exploitation of the resource and implementation of innovation ideas that make use of efficient technologies in steam field management and power plant generation. This paper discusses some of these strategies in details and also highlight the current challenges and recommendations. These recommendations are meant to ensure that KenGen continues to sustainably exploit the geothermal resource within its Olkaria licence area without getting into the dangers of long-term degradation.