Kenya is hot for geothermal energy

The East African Rift Valley stretches like a swathe over 500 kilometres from north to south in Kenya. If you drive westwards from Nairobi, the high plateau ends abruptly and there is a steep descent into the Rift Valley: the earth is actually cracking open here - but it will probably be millions of years before the Somali plate drifts so far to the east that seawater floods the valley. For now, electricity can still be generated here sustainably, as the earth's crust is particularly thin along the rift valley and the path to hotter layers is short - a huge potential for geothermal energy, which is estimated at 10,000 megawatts nationwide.

The temperature increases considerably even at shallow depths; in some places the temperature is over 300 degrees Celsius at a depth of just one thousand metres. Kenya has been exploring the geothermal potential since the 1970s and is continuously expanding its capacities. Today, around 45% of the energy for the electricity supply already comes from deep underground. And the Kenyan government has ambitious plans: by 2030, electricity is to be produced exclusively from renewables. To this end, Kenya is systematically developing a total of 23 geothermal fields in the country, and wind, water and solar energy generation are also to be promoted. A look into the future: green hydrogen, which is produced using electricity generated from renewable energy, also has great potential in Kenya.

Kenya is home to semi-nomadic and sedentary Maasai - one of the best-known ethnic groups in East Africa; people who proudly adhere to their traditional way of life. Some of their settlement areas are close to geothermal project areas, especially in the Rift Valley. And although geothermal plants require little space compared to other sustainable energies - such as wind or solar power - the habitat of the local population, such as grazing areas and water sources, can be affected. When geothermal power plants were built in Olkaria in the past, the Maasai often complained that they were not sufficiently consulted and that their land rights were not respected. In recent years, significant improvements have been made in line with international standards.

This is because before a geothermal power plant can be built, extensive development work involving complex test drilling is required, which can take years. A new geothermal project - Baringo-Silali - is currently being developed near Lake Baringo with an estimated potential of up to 3,000 MW. The indigenous population (the Pokot live in this area) has been involved, informed and educated about the potential opportunities and risks. There are regular meetings, complaints mechanisms and the involvement of community representatives in monitoring and evaluation processes. This ensures that the projects are implemented in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. In cases where land is required for geothermal projects, affected communities are adequately compensated.