Enabling Policies and Regulatory Frameworks for Geothermal Electricity and Direct Use in the East African Rift

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), together with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) organised an event on 27 July 2021 to support the ongoing efforts by some countries in the East Africa Rift region to develop dedicated geothermal policies and regulatory frameworks. It provided an opportunity for policy makers in those countries to learn from the insights, experiences and best practices of their peers in the region and form Mexico, concerning the development and implementation of enabling policies and regulatory frameworks for geothermal power and direct use.

The countries of the East African Rift region hold significant geothermal potential, giving them valuable options for sustainable electricity generation and direct use. Harnessing these resources can provide a renewable, affordable and stable energy supply. It can also help countries to meet their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as their climate goals. To attract investment and achieve significant development of geothermal resources, enabling policies and regulatory frameworks (among others) are a prerequisite for most investors particularly through Independent Power Producers and Public Private Partnerships.

Agenda

Opening remarks:

• Amjad Abdulla, Head of Partnerships, IRENA
• Joseph Mwangi, Policy Officer, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure and Energy, Africa Union Commission
• Meseret Teklemariam, Programme Manager, ARGeo, UNEP

Presentations:

• Geothermal Development in Eastern Africa: Recommendations for Power and Direct Use – Jack Kiruja, IRENA
• Role of policies and regulatory instrument in spurring geothermal development in Kenya – Paul Mbuthi, Ministry of Energy, Kenya
• Private sector experiences: Opportunities, challenges and lessons learnt - Peter Vivian-Neil, Kalahari GeoEnergy, Zambia
• Methodology for developing geothermal direct use regulatory frameworks – Michelle Ramirez, IRENA
• Technology Roadmaps for geothermal power and direct use - Ernesto Hernández, La Caja Rota, Mexico

Recording: