Buranga geothermal prospect in Uganda estimated at 100 MW
Sempaya geothermal hot springs, Uganda (source: flickr/ Joostv, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
8 Şub 2016
The Buranga geothermal prospect is currently explored and prefeasibility studies indicate a potential of up to 100 MW.
Like other East African countries, Uganda is exploring its geothermal potential for power generation projects. In a project introduction by Uganda Invest, details have been provided on the Buranga geothermal prospect.
A potential project investment of $42 million, the Buranga project has seen pre-feasibility studies. The initial results indicate subsurface temperatures of approximately 150 – 200 degrees Celsius. The temperatures are suitable for electricity production and direct use in industry and agriculture.
GIDS Consult Limited is currently carrying out exploration and evaluation of geothermal energy with an aim of developing at least 100 MW Geothermal Power Plant at Buranga prospect. The company is planning to drill 3 deep exploration/production wells at the prospect and develop a 30 MW well-head geothermal power plant units at each successful well
The Government of Uganda is promoting the use of renewable energy sources as alternatives or supplements to other traditional sources like hydropower, and fossil fuels (oil and gas). Among the renewable sources of energy being considered is geothermal energy which can produce base-load electricity.
Comment (June 13, 2016):
Several readers have – correctly – stated that the estimate of 100 MW and 30 MW per well are a bit too optimistic and not very realistic. I tend to agree that this is too unrealistic, particularly with no data available. Only a handful wells worldwide reach a capacity that gets close to that number.
Source: Africa Stopover
