Integration Between Geographical Information System and Service, Application and Products Contribution to Geothermal Development

Abstract

Countries world over are seeking alternative renewable sources of energy which are cleaner and environmentally friendly. With the accelerated approach of the global climate-change point-of-no-return the need to address the pivotal role of renewable energy in the formation of coping strategies, rather than prevention, is more crucial than ever. Sustainability, green buildings, and the development of the large-scale renewable energy industry must be at the top of all development, economic, financial and political agendas. With estimated potential of over 7,000-10,000 MWe, geothermal energy from Kenya's geologically active Great Rift Valley forms the cornerstone of the government’s initiative to realize 2000 MWe by 2018. To be able to achieve this, detailed surface exploration studies need to be conducted to be able to site good producer wells. The findings of the studies are then analyzed and interpreted by use of technologically advanced Information and Communication Systems housed at the Company’s Laboratory. ICT systems can also be utilized to provide vital information during drilling at the rig and well testing on real time basis. Such interfaces are developed through proper integration of additional modules on both Geographical Information System (GIS)and the Enterprise Resource Planning software (SAP) to ensure that they are synchronized to communicate in a unified language. This abstract therefore outlays operational benefits of SAP/GIS/SCADA integration with well documented case studies discussed critically to suffice the reader with relevant information. Some of the key points to be discussed are; (i) Integration dynamics between SAP, DMS, SCADA and GIS technologies in enhancing growth and development of Energy utilities and (ii) Communications network technology is needed to provide and support new operational applications (such as data acquisition and CCTV surveillance), enhancing efficiency and response time.