Low cost geothermal energy indicators and exploration methods in Kenya

Abstract

Geothermal power is one of the safest and environment friendly energy worldwide. It has been harvested in Kenya since 1956 with most potential sites being along the Rift Valley. There are surface manifestations such as hot springs and mudpools that are visible. Different methods of exploration are usually applied, including geophysical, geochemical and geological methods. This paper highlights different geothermal exploration techniques with emphasis on low cost methods that can be used in developing countries to map geothermal potential areas highlighting methods used in Kenya. A comparable cost analysis is done for Olkaria field in Kenya which has been explored using different methodologies and the results show that ground survey methods are more expensive than remote sensing though the two methods have unique advantages. Ground data collection method is three times expensive as compared to the remote sensing methodology. It also reviews the geothermal indicators that can be mapped by remote sensing techniques, and especially those using satellite imagery.

Green Energy Sources Assessment Using Sentinel-1 Satellite Remote Sensing

“…The results of the SAR satellite remote sensing methods can be used as a guide for exploration and use in the next stage of setting up geothermal power plants in different geographical site locations (Mary et al, 2020). In previous studies, SAR satellite has been used for direct or indirect mapping and exploration of geothermal potential areas by remote currency measurement methods (van der Meer et al, 2014).…”

A Gis-Based Approach for Exploring Geothermal Resources Along Part of the Kenyan Rift

“…Kenya has been ranked world's 8th largest producer of geothermal energy (Kenya energy, 2017). Figure 2) with emphasis on remote sensing techniques especially those using satellite imagery was done (Macharia, et al, 2017). Some indicators which had high success rate in locating geothermal sites were modelled as summarized in Figure 2 with emphasis on the low cost techniques.…”

“…energy using little land, proven technology, flexible expansion to meet demand and direct heat applications (Macharia, et al, 2017). Kenya is set to increase the robustness and reliability of its power sector (Omenda & Simiyu, 2015).…”

“…Before geothermal wells are drilled, surface exploration is carried out to eliminate areas non geothermal areas so as to allow effort and resources to be channeled towards the high geothermal potential areas (Yalcin & Kilic Gul, 2017). The most common method of geothermal exploration is ground surveys by geologists, geophysicists and geochemists from which they build conceptual models based on their findings (Macharia, et al, 2017).. Remote Sensing and GIS method are largely used to locate preliminary geothermal potential areas and related information on topography (Noorollahi et al, 2008).…”

Detection of Geothermal Potential Zones Using Remote Sensing Techniques

“…The results obtained allowed identifying a susceptible area to be operated on with a geothermal potential of 80 W·m −1 or higher.2 of 20 drilling operations. For this reason, different researchers have tried to develop methodologies to reduce costs in the search for these areas, taking into great consideration the use of remote sensing as a means to prioritize zones of potential geothermal energy [8,9], due to the availability of free satellite imagery and its cost-effective ratio for the geothermal exploration of large areas. One approach that involves remote sensing is the search for areas of rocks altered by hydrological action using images from one or more sensors, since they are indicative of thermal fluids being discharged along faults [10].…”