Response of Olkaria East Field Reservoir to Production

Abstract

Kenya has been exploiting the geothermal energy resource for the last 27 years. Geophysical and geological surveys were conducted between L. Bogoria and Olkaria and the latter identified as the most potential prospective area.Exploration of the resource commenced in 1956 that show the drilling of two exploratory wells.The Olkaria field was segmented into seven sectors to facilitate easier utilization. Extensive drilling operations started in Olkaria East Field that led to the establishment of three units in June 1981, November 1982 and March 1984, each unit producing 15MWe. The Olkaria field is being exploited and currently atleast 200MWe is being produced from the field and plans are underway to increase the output as it is evidenced by the drilling operations that are on-going currently. Olkaria East Field has been sustaining the 45MWe and drilling operations are being carried out to establish an additional 140MWe power plant by 2013.Hot and cold reinjection has also been introduced to enhance reservoir recharge. It is in view of this that this paper seeks to explore the response of Olkaria East Field Reservoir to production and the effects of reinjection system.