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Comprehensive Solutions for Optimum Development of Geothermal Systems in East African Rift Valley

Environment / Energy (Carbon Neutrality)

Republic of Kenya

Comprehensive Solutions for Optimum Development of Geothermal Systems in East African Rift Valley

Resolve issues slowing use of the Great Rift Valley’s geothermal resources

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  FUJIMITSU Yasuhiro
  Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University
- Prof.
  Bernard W. IKUA
  Deputy Vice Chancellor, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)

ODA Recipient Country

Republic of Kenya

Research Institutions in Japan

Kyusyu University / West Japan Engineering Consultants, Inc.

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) /University of Nairobi (UoN) / Kenya Electricity Generating Company Ltd. (KenGen) / Geothermal Development Company Ltd. (GDC)

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2019

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Solving issues to achieve optimum development of the Great Rift Valley’s unique geothermal systems
Kenya is in the process of switching its main source of power from hydropower, which is unstable due to frequent droughts, to geothermal power, which has high power generation potential and enables stable supply. This project aims to resolve issues at every stage, from planning through to actual energy use, and promote sustainable geothermal energy use in Kenya and surrounding nations through the utilization of hybrid exploration geophysics, development of models of geothermal systems unique to the Great Rift Valley, and establishment of methods of dealing with scaling in order to improve the operational efficiency of power plants, as well as by proposing scenarios for improving acceptance of geothermal heat use by society.

Contributing to achieving SDGs by utilizing geothermal heat, a stable, renewable energy source
The outcome of this project is expected to contribute to achieving the Kenyan government’s goal of increasing the capacity of geothermal power generation facilities to 5,000MW by 2030 as well as contribute to the government’s Kenya Vision 2030 economic development plan to turn Kenya into an industrial nation. Kenya’s renewable energy based power generation makeup will also contribute to global environmental conservation.

Photo gallery

Olkaria II geothermal power plant, the target field of this project

A heated swimming pool near Olkaria II geothermal power plant. The project proposes scenarios for utilization of heat, as well as for power generation.