Geothermal exploration in Uganda status report

Abstract

A secure and sustainable energy mix is one of the key challenges facing Government of Uganda (GoU) as the entire world responds to the challenges of climate change, energy security, energy independence and economic competitiveness. Based on current projection, energy demand could double or even triple in the next twenty years. GoU faces the need to increase its power generating capacity to meet the energy demand. As a strategic intervention, GoU decided to grow its energy sources including renewable generation to mitigate the increasing energy demand. Among the renewables, is geothermal energy distributed in several districts all over Uganda. Once developed, geothermal has a potential to provide large scale, base load power 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Geothermal exploration timeline have stretched too far dating way back in 1950’s when swallow wells were drilled in Buranga. Numerous donor support projects have been undertaken to support geothermal exploration in Uganda. These have included UNDP, ICIEDA, BGR, IAEA, BGR, JICA, WB, ADB. The situation warranted breakthrough techniques and technology to fact track geothermal development in Uganda. Experience has shown that successful geothermal development is related to four main elements; policy, institution, information and finance. GoU initiated a four-pronged strategic intervention. GoU established a Geothermal Resources Department with a budget and logistics (survey equipment and tools). GoU is in final stages of putting in place a geothermal policy and Bill. Since FY 2011/12, GoU has committed funds to undertake government-led geothermal studies in 4 priority areas. Conceptual models have been developed for three areaS and surveys have commenced on two more sites.

There are significant accomplishments and impacts. A skilled geothermal workforce is in place but with capability gaps. There is need to reinforce by recruiting engineers, managers and technicians. It is mostly of geoscientists workforce. It is now recognized that Western arm of EARS is quite different structurally and tectonically from the Eastern arm. The western arm is in initial stages of rift development as opposed to Eastern arm which is in mature stage. Uganda’s geothermal systems are deep circulation amagmatic extensional systems that are driven by deep circulation of meteoric waters. This is attested by low Helium signatures and deep reaching boundary faults. Rift bounding faults are key Kato 2 Geothermal in Uganda exploration targets in western rift more so where they are intersected due to increased permeability and fracture density. Standard exploration methods applied include a combined MT/TDEM survey, soil gas and gas flux measurements, swallow temperature probe, reflective seismic data from oil and gas companies. Integrated models are developed. Slimhole exploration is recommended prior to committing risky and cost intensive deep full diameter exploration.