| Title | Status and Strategic Framework in Geothermal Development in Ethiopia |
|---|---|
| Authors | Solomon Kebede |
| Year | 2010 |
| Conference | ARGeo |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | The significance of Geothermal Power within Ethiopia has long been recognized. Under a programme that began in 1969, geo-scientific studies have been conducted in a number of Ethiopian fields and over sixteen areas have been identified in the Ethiopian Rift Valley to have Geothermal Resources suitable for electricity generation. From these areas it is recognized that a total of about 5000 MWe geothermal energy could be developed. So far deep drilling has been undertaken in Aluto Langano (1982 to 1985) and Tendaho (1993 to 1998) and detailed surface exploration has been nearly completed in four other areas. A 7 .3 MWe net capacity pilot plant has been installed at Aluto, currently generating about 5MWe. Feasibility study for the expansion of the Aluto Langano Geothermal power has been recently completed with the Japanese Overseas Development Assisstance. The study indicated expansion of the Aluto Geothermal power to additional 35MWe is feasible. Accordingly, as an initial step to develop the 35MWe, it is planned to drill four deep appraisal wells in 2011 with the Japanese technical assistance and the World Bank loan. The government encourages private sector investment in Geothermal exploration and development. Attractive feed in tariffs and incentive packages are in the process of being implemented. Within the Ethiopia’s long range power plan, geothermal is now recognized as offering an important (potential) input to the Ethiopian grid as it is base-load and climate independent. Irrespective of future hydro developments, geothermal’s contribution to energy security at times of drought is considered critical. The generation development plan consists mainly of hydro projects. However generation from Wind and Geothermal power plants are foreseen to compliment the hydro. By 2015 it is planned to generate 75 MWe geothermal power from Aluto Langano and by 2018 it is anticipated to generate a total of 450 MWe from five other geothermal areas in the Rift. The order of priority for geothermal development in these areas is: Aluto Langano, Tendaho, Corbetti, Abaya, Dofan-Fantale and Tulu Moye |