Geothermal Energy: Power to Do More

The need to strengthen and diversify energy supply, while minimizing gaseous emissions which contribute to the greenhouse effect, makes the adoption of renewable forms of energy an urgent priority especially in Kenya. Future energy supplies will also need to become more dependent on indigenous sources to provide a sustainable future for the ever-growing industries. The progressive substitution of fossil fuels will also reduce emissions which contribute to acid rain; this makes geothermal power be the greatest prospective driver of the modern industrializing economies. The future competitiveness of different energy sources cannot be limited to strict financial comparisons. Other parameters such as detrimental or positive environmental effects and their economic consequences must also be considered. The minimization of other emissions, including dust, reduction of fuel and related transportation activity and space requirements as well as the reduction in expenditure on the disposal of by-products such ash from coal combustion and excess steam from the geo-wells need to be accounted for healthily and controlled well.