Geothermal energy utilisation

Abstract

Geothermal energy is energy derived from the natural heat of the earth. The earth’s temperature varies widely, and geothermal energy is usable for a wide range of temperatures from room temperature to well over 300°C. Geothermal energy can be used for both electricity generation and direct uses depending on the temperature and chemistry of the resources. High to medium resources are used for electricity generation while medium to low resources is mainly used for direct application. For efficient utilization of resources, geothermal energy is being utilized for combined heat and power. Since geothermal energy is renewable, indigenous and environmentally benign, and can be used as base load, it will be the future source of energy in Kenya and most of the Eastern African countries especially those that are located within the east Africa Rift. This will reduce uses of fossil fuels and hence address global warming.