The word geothermal comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). At great depths, temperatures become very high to melt rock, forming magma. The magma heats underground water which is trapped under impermeable rocks to form a geothermal reservoir. These reservoirs are sources of geothermal energy that can potentially be tapped for electricity generation. Therefore, geothermal energy is heat within the earth.

Geothermal energy is referred to as a renewable source of energy owing to the fact that the geothermal heat is continuously produced inside the earth. The heat is also considered to be practically inexhaustible.

Geothermal energy is considered to be a green alternative source of energy because it is naturally produced by the Earth’s core and emits very little greenhouse gas emissions that harm the Earth once it’s generated into electricity.

GDC’s mandate include:

• Removing upfront risks, and reducing costs through infrastructural development exploration works and production drilling
• Promoting direct uses of geothermal resources
• Developing human capacity for geothermal development
• Supporting Government of Kenya in fund mobilization
• Supporting private sector entry and sell steam to power producers
• Early power generation through installation of well head generating units

Geothermal resources in Kenya are located within the Rift Valley with the country having a combined potential of between 7,000MW to 10,000MW. The resource is spread out, with sites like Menengai and Olkaria currently under development, while others are in the exploration stage.

GDC is currently working in two project areas – Menengai and the Baringo-Silali Geothermal Projects.

GDC has added 355 MW from the Olkaria Geothermal Project to the national grid.

Direct Use refers to the use of geothermal energy for other uses other than generation of electricity. Mostly this phrase is used for thermal energy applications in process heating although uses of other by-products such as gases and mineral products can also be referred to as direct uses.

The GDC Direct Use pilot projects include:

• Milk pasteurization
• Aquaculture ponds
• Greenhouses
• Laundry
• Grain Dryer

To apply for training on geothermal resource development at our Geothermal Centre of Excellence, you can send an application to info@gdc.co.ke

If you work in the areas focusing on empowerment (Youth, Women, and PWDs), education, health and water, you can send your proposal for partnership to info@gdc.co.ke for consideration