| Abstract |
Uganda presently has a total generating capacity of 317 MW, most of which is from large hydro. Peak demand is about 300 MW. The country's energy surplus is expected to be short term, with electricity demand growing by 7.4% per anuum. Despite its abundant hydro resources, the Ugandan government recognizes that it must diversify its energy resources. The present level of uncertainty regarding the future of large hydro power projects has caused 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 W-Uganda with support from the African Development Bank, Government of Iceland and World Bank. Katwe and Kibiro have subsurface temperatures of 160-200 C and above 200 C respectively and are considered as potential geothermal prospects. The temperatures have been inferred by geothermometry and mixing models. These temperatures are suitable for electric power production and direct use in industry and agriculture. The current geophysical surveys in the two areas are expected to be completed by mid 2005 marking the end of pre-feasibility studies in the two areas. Based on the results, a feasibility study will be carried out on one or both areas to fully assess the resource and its commercial viability. A pre-feasibility study in the third area, Buranga, is scheduled to start in early 2005 with support from the Germany Geological Survey (BGR). Its subsurface temperature is still unresolved being estimated at 120-150 C from solute geothermometry and as high as 200 C from isotope geothermometry. Uganda has other geothermal areas with subsurface temperatures in the range of 100-180 C from preliminary studies but further investigation is needed for a possibility of installing small scale geothermal plants for rural electrification. The government of Uganda recognizes the lack of sufficient geothermal data to negotiate binding power purchase agreements (PPAs) with geothermal developers at the present time. Nevertheless, the government is interested in negotiating preliminary "non-financial PPAs" with private geothermal energy companies willing to partner with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to obtain grant or "partial risk guarantee" funds for the feasibility study. This will require goods and services including: drilling and well completion (cementing and casing); reservoir assessment; water and mineral extraction (possible); well testing; environmental studies; project pre-feasibility studies and analysis; financing; power plant design; and machinery parts, maintenance and repair. |