Country update on geothermal exploration and development in Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa between 3.5° and 14°N and 33° and 48°E. Access to energy is among the key elements for the economic and social developments of Ethiopia. The energy sector in Ethiopia can be generally categorized in to two major components: (i) traditional (biomass), and (ii) modern (such as electricity and petroleum). As more than 80 % of the country's population is engaged in the small-scale agricultural sector and live in rural areas, traditional energy sources represent the principal sources of energy in Ethiopia. The current total installed electrical capacity in Ethiopia has reached 2414 MW. The medium and long term electrical generation development plan consists mainly of hydro projects. Generation from wind and geothermal power plants are foreseen to compliment the hydro. The government’s Energy Policy is an integral part of its overall development policy. It aims to facilitate the development of energy resources for economical supply to consumers. It seeks to achieve the accelerated development of indigenous energy resources and the promotion of private investment in the production and supply of energy.

Ethiopia started long-term geothermal exploration in 1969. About 120 localities within the rift system are believed to have independent heating and circulation systems. From these localities about two dozen are judged to have potential for high enthalpy resource development, including for electricity generation. Only two prospect areas have been subjected to exploration drilling to date. Currently geothermal exploration and resource assessment is being carried out in strategically selected prospect areas in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. Electrical geothermal potential is estimated at over 10, 000 MW. A total of 675 MW geothermal power is planned to be developed from six selected prospects by 2020 and 2500 MW by 2030. In order to achieve the countries medium term plan in geothermal development both the public and the private sector participation is envisaged. Financial resources are secured or are on the process of being secured for the planned development under the public/private sector.