| Title | Geothermal Energy Exploration in Uganda, Country Update |
|---|---|
| Authors | Godfrey Bahati, James Francis Natukunda |
| Year | 2023 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Policy and legislation, conceptual models, temperature gradient drilling. |
| Abstract | ABSTRACT Exploration for geothermal energy in Uganda has been in progress since 1993. The studies by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development have focused on four major geothermal areas namely Katwe, Buranga, Kibiro, and Panyimur. The overall objective of the study is to sustainably develop geothermal energy to complement hydro and other sources of energy to meet the energy demand of rural areas in sound environment. The studies have used geological, geochemical, hydrogeological and geophysical methods with the aim of elucidating subsurface temperatures and the spatial extent of geothermal resources, and in turn come up with conceptual models that would be a basis for drilling exploration wells. The results indicate that the geothermal activity in the four areas appears to be fault-controlled deep circulation systems rather than magmatically heated systems associated with central volcanoes, which is consistent with the revised view on geothermal prospects in the Western Branch of the East African Rift System. Subsurface temperatures of approximately 130-150˚C for Katwe, 120-150˚C for Buranga, 150-250˚C for Kibiro, 110-140˚C for Panyimur and 100-160˚C for other areas have been predicted by geothermometry and mixing models. In all the areas, the temperatures are good for electricity generation and direct use in industry, agriculture and tourism. Three areas namely Kibiro, Panyimur and Buranga have reached advanced stages of surface exploration, conceptual models have been developed and temperature gradient holes (TGH) sited at all the three prospects. Drilling of eight (8) TGH was completed at Kibiro in 2020 and another 8 TGH at Panyimur in July 2022 with results suggesting potential geothermal reservoirs underneath the Kibiro peninsular and the Panyimur basin. The results will be used to update the conceptual models that will be a basis for locating sites for deep exploration wells. The challenges for geothermal development include high geological risk; inability to attract financial support from Development Partners; inadequate data and information; unskilled workforce; low awareness amongst the public and limited community participation in geothermal exploration and development. |