GEOTHERMAL ENERGY EXPLORATION IN UGANDA, COUNTRY UPDATE 2006

• Main Author: Godfrey Bahati
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Iceland
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.1071.7812; http://www.geothermal-energy.org/pdf/IGAstandard/ARGeo/2006/ArGeo-Bahati-update.pdf

Abstract Uganda presently has a total installed capacity of 417 MW of electricity of which 300 MW is from Nalubaale and KUra hydropower dams at Jinja, 17 MW from small hydros and 100 MW of thermaL The production at Jinja has been reduced to a mere 120 MW due to climatic fluctuations caused by a long spell of drought in the Lake Victoria basin. The peak demand is approximately 360 MW. The country is in a dire need of energy with electricity demand growing by 10% per anuum. Despite its considerable hydro resources in excess of 2000 MW, the Ugandan government recognizes that it must diversify its energy resources. The present level of uncertainty regarding the future of large hydro power projects and increasing environmental awareness, has prompted the government to take a closer look at the country's geothermal potentiaL The government is especially interested in including village-scale geothermal power plants as part of its rural electrification-program. At present, two geothermal prospects Katwe and Kibiro are being assessed in West Uganda with support from the World Bank and the Government of Iceland. Katwe and Kibiro have subsurface temperatures of 140-200°C and 200-220°C respectively and are considered as potential geothermal prospects. These temperatures are suitable for electric power production and direct use in industry and agriculture. The Government of Uganda is currently carrying out temperature gradient drilling and measurement which once completed will mark the end of surface exploration in the two areas. Based on the results, a feasibility study will be carried out to fully assess the resource and its commercial viability. A similar study is planned for the third area called Buranga. Its subsurface temperature is estimated at 120-150°C from geothermometry. Uganda has other geothermal areas with subsurface temperatures in the range of 100-180°C from preliminary studies but further investigation is needed before the areas are recommended for development. The government of Uganda recognizes the lack of ...