Rwanda may have geothermal potential which is manifested in the form of hot springs (Fig. 1) and hosts two prospective zones for geothermal energy exploration: the first zone in the north-western region (Gisenyi, Karisimbi, and Kinigi) which is associated with volcanoes and the second zone in the southern region (Bugarama) associated with faults in the East African Rift (Fig. 2). Three main prospect areas have been demarcated for further exploration: Kinigi, Gisenyi and Bugarama. The potential of geothermal energy is still uncertain.

Fig 1: Bugarama hot springs

Fig 2: Geothermal potential areas

Overview of Geothermal Development

Serious investigations on Rwanda geothermal resources started in 2006 with a view of diversifying energy sources for electricity generation. Surface geo-scientific studies conducted from 2006 to 2012 indicated that Rwanda has four potential geothermal prospects namely; Karisimbi, Kinigi, Gisenyi and Bugarama.  After detailed surface investigations in Karisimbi, two deep exploration wells were drilled with the aim of confirming the existence of the resource. Unfortunately, subsurface geological formation and well testing indicated no evidence of a geothermal system in the Karisimbi drilling area.

Following Karisimbi unfortunate results, a geothermal master plan was developed in 2015. The geothermal master plan provides potential estimates for each geothermal prospect area and gives a clear plan of priorities for the exploration of potential geothermal sites in the country. The potential was estimated at a maximum 100 MW for the country.

Additional surface studies have been conducted in Kinigi prospect and the results from these studies ranked Kinigi as a risky area for geothermal resources exploration.

The new strategy for geothermal exploration suggests for each prospect 5 years of geothermal resources exploration including surface investigations, exploration drilling and well testing followed by 3 years for the construction power plant only if the resource is proven.

The current plan for geothermal exploration is to conduct additional studies in Bugarama and Gisenyi prospects.

Current ongoing activities
Detailed surface investigations have been carried out in Kinigi, Gisenyi and Bugarama prospects and the expected outcome is an update of the conceptual model of the geothermal system in each potential prospect to decide for subsurface exploration.

(FS: For Schedule)

Given the complexity involved in determining the commercial viability of geothermal power, the Government of Rwanda is committed to reducing risks associated with geothermal exploration by drilling exploration wells to prove the existence of the resource.

Furthermore, Rwanda will host the Seventh Africa Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C7) in October 2018. The theme of ARGeo-C7 is “Geothermal: Solution to Africa’s Energy needs”. This conference is expected to attract over 400 local, regional and international experts, policy makers, developers and financiers from all over the world.