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Uganda has big geothermal energy potential |
Geothermal energy is heat from within the earth. It is generated in the earth core, about 4,000 miles below the surface. Currently Uganda mainly depends on hydro electricity but the drop in the level of Lake Victoria raises questions about its sustainability.
The ministry of energy committed $45million (shs89.5billion) towards the exploration of sites with geothermal power potential in Uganda. Geothermal energy is produced through trapping steam released by hot rocks with water reservoirs deep in the earth which is used to power turbines. The direct use of hot water has been happening since ancient times. The Romans, Chinese, and Native Americans used hot mineral springs for bathing, cooking and heating. Today many hot springs are still used for bathing and many people believe that they have natural healing powers. It is high time the Government found better use for the hot springs around the country, geothermal energy in Uganda is estimated at 450mw.Potential areas are Katwe, Kabiro and Buranga in western Uganda and are ranked for exploration.
According to a United Nations backed project testing new seismic and drilling in Kenya, The East African Great rift valley has a high potential for geothermal power production. Geothermal around this place is viable and cost effective source of power and has the potential to produce 7,000MW in Africa. Of the countries in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya is more committed to harnessing geothermal energy, it produces 67MW expected to rise to 576MW by 2019.
Geothermal power plants use hydro-thermal resources which have two common ingredients: water (Hydro) and heat (thermal).Geothermal plants require high temperature (300 to 700fahrenheit) hydrothermal resources that may come from either dry steam wells or hot water wells. We can use these resources by drilling wells into the earth and piping the steam or hot water to the surface.
According to the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost effective systems for temperature control. Over 90% of Ugandans use biomass energy which is associated with respiratory diseases and environmental degradation. Harnessing geothermal energy will save us these problems.
By
SARAH AKANKWASA
PROGRAMME ASSISTANT
AFIEGO
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