Joint Geophysical Imaging (JGI) Methodology for Geothermal Reservoir Assessment

The up front costs of locating and drilling to geothermal power reservoirs are major barriers to the development of this form of renewable energy. Whereas partial risk guarantees against drilling non-productive wells have been a common feature of recent GEF projects (e.g. IFC, IDB, and WB), the project proposed here aims at reducing this risk through technical assistance. The project will transfer and adapt Joint Geophysical Imaging (JGI) methods for assessing geothermal reservoirs to Kenya with potential impacts for the African Rift Valley. The resulting higher resolution and more accurate assessments will increase the probability of finding large, productive steam reservoirs in highly permeable formations. A strategic opportunity exists for geothermal energy expansion in the African Rift through combined technical and financial barrier removal. The project will locate a new drilling target area at Longonot and deep exploratory drilling, co-finaced by the Kenyan Government, will test its resources. Several other potential reservoirs exist in the region for further expansion of this clean energy source. The project would result in a sustainable capacity for later exploration and targeting of these reservoirs. In parallel, efforts to expand the effort through a regional Geothermal Resource Centre and development fund are being pursued.