The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and several partners have launched a series of online seminars to help East African countries ramp up exploration for geothermal energy.
Development Diaries gathered that the sessions included geothermal experts from 11 countries who explored a technique known as ‘slim-hole drilling’.
It was learnt that the slim wells cost up to 75 percent less than conventional wells.
Energy Programme Manager with UNEP, Meseret Zemedkun, said the slim-hole drilling was a game-changer for a region struggling with power shortages.
He added that the technology will significantly contribute to the reduction of risks and cost, creation of smaller environmental footprints, and increase of access to resources.
It was observed that the virtual sessions helped East African experts gain a better understanding of slim-hole drilling technology and share both case studies and best practices.
The sessions were held in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Acts, the New Zealand Geothermal Facility, and the non-profit group UniServices.
‘The webinar series for slim-hole drilling was useful and has broadened our understanding of slim-hole drilling technologies’, member of the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company, Adonias Mkangala, said.
‘We were lucky to discuss and share experiences and ideas with the geothermal experts from New Zealand and Auckland University’.
Twenty-six participants from Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia participated in the seminars.
Source: UN Environment
Photo source: U.S. Geological Survey
