| Abstract |
The Assal region of the Republic of Djibouti has attracted scientific interest as a potential site for the development of a geothermal power plant for the production of electricity in the country. The main exploration were made in the 70s and 80s in projects carried out in cooperation between the Government of Djibouti and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These projects have resulted in the drilling of six exploration wells to 2105 m depth. Drilling has confirmed the existence of a geothermal reservoir with groundwater temperatures up to 360 ° C and a maximum steam production of 20 kg / s . The objective of this study is to investigate the environmental and social impact and develop a plan for environmental and social management for the project “Assessment of geothermal resources” in the Assal Rift. The objective of the proposed project is to quantify the technical and financial feasibility of the use of Assal Rift Geothermal resources to end mass production of electricity. The project includes a drilling program of exploration 4puits production in the area Fiale located 70 km west of Djibouti. Geothermal drilling site du Lac Assal / Fiale can be undertaken with environmental and socio -economic development in all low if mitigation measures are properly implemented. It is important to note that the proper management of drilling fluids containing additives and processing or reinjection of geothermal fluid in the reservoir where it comes from is the first priority of the project mitigation measures, thus preventing flow in sensitive surrounding ecosystems, namely Lac Assal and Ghoubet – Kharab.International standards for the treatment of drilling mud, geothermal fluids and solid and liquid waste must absolutely be respected. Monitoring by independent experts internationally experienced must be implemented. Potential major impacts on the surrounding ( the atmospheric emissions , use of drilling fluids, geothermal fluids , solid waste potentially dangerous, eruption wells, seismic or volcanic event) were examined. The impacts of the proposed physical and biological environment project are mainly insignificant or moderately negative. However, the impact on the social and cultural environment (Status vulnerability of women / Gender, Location men / Gender , Historical Monument / graves, accompanying socio- economic measures) are generally positive or uncertain. The project does not involve land acquisition or involuntary resettlement, which will limit the negative impacts to the local population. Socio-economic accompanying measures are proposed. It is nevertheless important to inform the public and hold the status of the project and design the implementation of socio -economic accompanying measures in a participatory manner. After evaluating the various potentially interesting as geophysical studies areas, the Government of Djibouti and the World Bank concluded that the caldera Fiale area has the greatest potential for success. |