Status of geothermal exploration and development in Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia is located in the horn of Africa. Electricity is one of the modern energy supplies in the country. The current total installed electricity generation has reached over 4,500 MW, but geothermal contributes only to a fraction of it. The government policy direction is to generate virtually all electricity from clean and renewable sources, centered on hydropower, geothermal, wind, solar and other renewable energy resources, using public and private sector funds. Ethiopia is endowed with a large geothermal potential, with 25 areas of high temperature sources and estimated electrical potential of over 10,000 MW. These resources are located in the Ethiopian Rift valley, which is part of the East African Rift system. Geothermal exploration in Ethiopia began in 1969. Various geothermal studies have been carried out by the public and the private sector, in recent years. The recent public sector activities include: (i) Geothermal master plan study; (ii) Surface exploration, deep drilling and testing at Aluto Langano prospect; and (iii) Surface explorations in other areas. The results of the surface explorations have all indicated favorable resource conditions for geothermal development. Five private sector companies are operating in the country. They have completed conceptual modeling of respective geothermal fields and are moving to the next stage of drilling activity. The geothermal development plan of the country envisages development of 1735 MWe by 2030 from 9 target areas using private and public sector funds.