Unlocking the Potential of Geothermal Energy in Africa
By Mugwe MANGA
Africa stands at a pivotal junction in its energy evolution, striving to achieve universal access to energy while advancing green industrialization. Despite these ambitious goals, the continent grapples with the persistent challenge of providing reliable baseload electricity. Countries like Nigeria suffer monumental economic losses—estimated at $26 billion annually—due to power outages and electricity shortages. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and Uganda frequently encounter blackouts, exacerbated by climate-induced droughts that throttle hydropower production.
The Current Energy Landscape
Across Africa, many businesses and homes have resorted to using expensive, polluting diesel generators to fill the void left by intermittent power supply. In Nigeria alone, businesses spend about $22 billion each year on off-grid fuel. This reliance on fossil fuels not only hampers economic growth but also threatens environmental sustainability.
Yet, amidst these challenges lies a promising renewable-energy technology: geothermal energy. Unlike traditional renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, geothermal energy holds the unique advantage of providing consistent power generation, significantly mitigating the risk of disruptions.
How Geothermal Energy Works
Geothermal energy taps into the Earth’s internal heat, generating steam from rock formations deep underground that drives turbines for electricity generation. This method harnesses energy continuously, as the natural radioactive decay occurring within the Earth’s core ensures a nearly inexhaustible supply of heat. Therefore, geothermal energy emerges as a viable candidate for establishing a stable and reliable power supply—especially critical in Africa, where infrastructure is often fragile, and grid operators frequently face resource shortages.
Limitations and Advantages
Despite its promise, geothermal energy does come with certain drawbacks. The process of drilling deep into the Earth and installing energy-generating equipment can be slow and capital-intensive. It requires extensive geological surveys to identify suitable sites, and production carries environmental risks. Plus, geothermal reservoirs are often concentrated in specific geographical locations, particularly near tectonic plate boundaries.
However, the long-term benefits far exceed the initial costs. Once established, geothermal power plants can deliver low-cost electricity over decades. They can also provide baseload stability, complementing other renewable sources like wind and solar that are affected by weather conditions. As technologies and methodologies evolve—particularly in directional drilling and data analytics—the feasibility of geothermal energy in Africa will likely improve.
Geothermal Energy’s Role in Africa
While geothermal may not be the universal solution to Africa’s energy woes, it holds significant potential for specific regions. Oil and gas companies, facing pressure to transition toward cleaner energy sources, have begun leveraging their expertise in geothermal ventures. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), which utilize advanced drilling techniques, have emerged to access deeper and hotter rocks, broadening the scope of geothermal potential. According to the International Energy Agency, Africa boasts nearly one-fifth of the global EGS potential, estimated at around 115 terawatts of energy. Tapping even a fraction of this could fulfill the continent’s electricity demand by 2050.
A Case Study: Kenya’s Geothermal Journey
Kenya has positioned itself as a pioneer in geothermal energy generation. The country’s first geothermal plant, Olkaria I, was inaugurated in 1981 and currently has a capacity of 45 megawatts. Overall, Kenya’s installed geothermal capacity stands at 985 MW, making it the sixth-largest producer globally. Impressively, geothermal accounts for about 47% of Kenya’s total electricity generation, contributing significantly to a grid that is approximately 93% green.
The rapid development of geothermal has notably enhanced energy access in Kenya. In 2013, only 37% of Kenyans had electricity; today, that percentage has surged to between 76-80%. With still untapped geothermal potential, state-backed utility KenGen aims to reach a gigawatt of installed capacity by 2026, positioning Kenya among the top three global geothermal producers by 2030.
Broader Benefits and Applications
Geothermal energy’s advantages extend beyond electricity generation. The thermal energy from geothermal reservoirs can be harnessed for direct heating applications in sectors such as horticulture, aquaculture, and food processing, all of which require stable heat sources. For instance, Kenya’s Oserian flower farms utilize geothermal steam for heating greenhouses, ensuring a consistent and high-quality flower production.
Additionally, geothermal brines—a byproduct of geothermal power generation—often contain valuable minerals, including lithium and rare-earth elements. These materials are essential for various technologies, particularly in batteries and electronics. By extracting and exporting these high-value minerals, African countries could further capitalize on the green energy transition.
Economic Integration and Regional Collaboration
The potential of geothermal energy can also act as a catalyst for economic integration across Africa. Regional initiatives such as power pools—the coordination of electricity generation and transmission across borders—are crucial for fostering cohesion in Africa’s fragmented energy landscape. By embracing the stability of geothermal energy, Africa could expedite the establishment of an integrated electricity market, aligned with the African Union’s vision for a unified energy strategy.
Overcoming Political and Financial Hurdles
While the advantages of geothermal energy are clear, political backing remains a significant hurdle. The exploratory nature and capital-intensive requirements of geothermal ventures contrast starkly with the more immediate results typically associated with solar and hydroelectric projects, which often attract quicker financing and attention. Policymakers seeking quick wins may overlook the long-term potential geothermal presents.
Final Thoughts
Geothermal energy can anchor Africa’s energy grid, enhance the reliability of other renewables, aid in the decarbonization of various industries, and integrate regional energy markets. As advancements in drilling technology and exploration techniques continue, embracing the full potential of geothermal energy might become one of Africa’s most significant steps towards sustainable energy independence.
Mugwe Manga is a Senior Green Finance Adviser at FSD Kenya, a board member and Co-Founder of the geothermal energy company Olsuswa Energy Limited, and the author of The Energy Future of Africa: A Journey Through Africa’s Green Revolution and How It Can Change the World (Footprints Press Limited, 2022).