Geothermal Energy

What is the solution for nations with increasing energy demands, hindered by frequent power cuts and an inability to compete in the international oil market? For East Africa, at least, experts think geothermal energy is the answer. More promising still, the Kenyan government and international investors seem to be listening. This is just in time, according to many, as claims of an acute energy crisis are afoot due to high oil prices, population spikes, and droughts. Geothermal energy works by pumping water into bedrock, where it is heated and returns to the surface as steam, which is used directly as a heat source or to generate electricity. Source: Energy Information Administration, Geothermal Energy in the Western United States and Hawaii. Currently, over 60% of Kenya's power comes from hydroelectric sources, but these are proving increasingly unreliable as seasonal variation intensifies due to erratic rain patterns. Alternative energy sources are needed, and the leading energy supplier in Kenya, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), hopes to expand its geothermal energy supply from 13% to 25 % of its total usage by 2020.