| Abstract |
Small Island Developing States (SIDS), represented by some 46 countries around the world, face significant development challenges including energy delivery based on costly fossil fuels, limited natural resources, susceptibility to the effects of climate change and a dependence on international aid for much of their funding. The Union of Comoros, one of the poorest countries in Africa, faces these challenges and more. The main island of Grande Comore is reliant on imported diesel fuel for its electricity generation - fuel alone currently accounts for 75% of electricity generation costs. With high fuel costs and poor electricity infrastructure, the state-owned utility is unable to meet electricity demand or provide a reliable and cost-effective supply. A number of studies have been undertaken to consider energy options for Grande Comore and, while solar PV is part of the near-term potential mix, geothermal is shown to offer a resilient and cost beneficial solution for the future baseload supply of electricity. It has been estimated that a 10MW geothermal power plant could save Comoros US$30 million in fuel costs each year. However, the costs for a modest geothermal development are significantly higher than comparable developments because of the island’s remoteness, difficult terrain and current lack of infrastructure. The early exploration phase of the program has been funded by donors, with support from the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Fund (GRMF) and executed on behalf of the Government of the Union of Comoros by the United Nations Development Programme. Given the fiscal weakness of the Comorian economy and the limited institutional capacity within the national government, it is unlikely that a viable private sector participation could be established for what is recognised will be an expensive next stage of development. The paper reviews progress to date, documenting the technical success of exploration and efforts to secure funding from various sources. It considers the existing options and what may be the most realistic path to follow to ensure that the potential for geothermal can be firmly established as a key contribution to Grande Comore’s energy future. |