| Abstract |
Geothermal Energy remains one of the best green sources of energy in Kenya as it contributes over 40% of all the Energy generated and utilized in Kenya. Currently, KenGen PLC leads in terms of Geothermal Energy generation as it contributes close to 800MW which is 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 major development being undertaken in the last 10 or so years and has not been without challenges. However, it is noted that KenGen has initiated a number of strategies in ensuring the sustainability of this 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. Challenges that have been experienced in Olkaria include the following: The inability to inject 100% of the exploited fluids due to the mode of electricity generation and the natural geochemical and physical characteristics of the geothermal fluids found in Olkaria that could be resulting in scaling and corrosion of the steamfield infrastructure. This paper will discuss some of these strategies in details and also highlight the current challenges and possible solutions/recommendations. |