The UNESCO GRO-GTP Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Short Course VI on Exploration and Development of Geothermal Resources concluded on Saturday, December 03, 2022, in Naivasha.
“This training comes when the world recognizes renewable energy as a solution that addresses climate change. I believe that this training has equipped you to take the mantle to lead the development of geothermal resources,” remarked GDC MD & CEO Eng. Jared O. Othieno.
The three-week training brought together 44 participants from 11 countries. There was jubilation as participants received their certificates.
“The training was intense but great. I learnt a lot of new things,” enthused Ms. Evelyne Njoroge of Geothermal Resource Assessment. On her part, Ms. Victoria Mwaisakenyi, of the Geothermal Centre of Excellence (GCE), the training offered insights into the dynamics of geothermal development. “As a staff handling consultancies, the short course was enriching. I hope in future they will put emphasis too on the importance of scopes like communication and marketing because the geothermal sector requires a lot of advocacy for buy-in,” she observed.
KenGen Acting MD CEO Abraham Serem Chief Guest was represented by General Manager Supply Chain Philip Yego. Also present from GDC was the General Manager, Drilling and Infrastructure General Mr. Paul Ngugi and the General Manager, Geothermal Resource Management, Mr. Cornel Ofwona.
The short course focused on the entire geothermal process from exploration to production. The participants were taken through key areas including surface exploration, geological mapping, geophysical mapping, temperature, and heat flow measurements, project management, among other subjects.
“The training was a success. Both the students and their facilitators exhibited high level of commitment and passion. We’re happy that we are steadily contributing to a strategic pool of geothermal experts in the region,” said Dr. Robert Ogutu the Ag. Manager, GCE. “I am sure next year we will even do much better,” Dr. Ogutu concluded.
