| Abstract |
By: Addisu Bekele(sociologist) Addisbekele066@gmail.com January 30/2019 Impacts of abstraction of surface water for geothermal drilling on Alalobad geothermal project Abstract The Government of Ethiopia, under its latest Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP),envisions transitioning from a developing country to a middle-income country by2025. Ethiopia’s ability to achieve this ambitious goal in such key sectors as agriculture and industry is significantly constrained by current challenges in the power sector. Although Ethiopia is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources and has a potential to generate over 60,000 megawatts(MW)ofelectricpowerfromhydroelectric,wind,solarandgeothermalsources, which would help sustain Ethiopia’s continued economic growth and enable it to become a regional renewable energy hub in East Africa. The Ethiopia Geothermal Sector Development Project (GSDP), with a funding of US$ 219 million, became effective on August 5, 2014 and is scheduled to close on June 30, 2020. The GSDP is being implemented by the Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) in the role of Owner. The GSDP, in accordance with the original scope of work, was subdivided into four components. Component 2 - Alalobeda Geothermal Site Development - includes the development of the geothermal resources in the Alalobeda prospect through the implementation of a program of drilling and testing of 4 deep wells. In consideration of the clear indications derived from the surface exploration and of the opportunity to speed up the development of the Alalobeda resources, it was suggested to proceed with the underground exploration by drilling full-size wells, which may be fully tested and can be in principle exploited for feeding on a temporary basis a 2-3 MW portable back-pressure turbine During each project phases, geothermal energy projects will have social impacts. Geothermal energy projects can have both positive and negative social impacts. Social impacts can be seen as changes to people's way of life, culture, community structure, stability, services and facilities and their level of participation in decision-making. Some of the Negative social impacts include: Impacts on water for other uses such as drinking water or irrigation. Impacts on cultural heritage sites Negative impacts on landscape and recreational areas Noise or disturbance Ground subsidence or earthquakes Since the alalobad area is an important source of water during drought for nearby kebeles and nomads, the potential decrease can be considered critical due to the scarcity of water in the region and vulnerable conditions of nomads and semi nomads. The aim of this study is identifying the potential negative impacts of the water sources in the project area on the pastoral communities. The water oasis is the sole drinking water sources for both the livestock’s and the wild animals dwelling nearby the project areas. Therefore proper studies and management plan must be essential to mitigate the foreseen impacts. This study brings the necessary mitigation measures to eradicate the potential negative impacts of water sources of alalobad geothermal project. |