Geothermal Power Capacity in Africa to Soar, Exceeding That of Europe

 

According to Rystad Energy, geothermal power capacity in Africa is expected to experience significant increase in the near future, more than doubling in the next seven years. By 2050, this capacity is expected to reach 13 GW, a substantial increase from the current 1 GW, according to the consulting group. According to this estimate, Europe’s geothermal industry is not far behind Africa’s.

In order to produce power from geothermal resources, superheated water and steam pools that are formed by magma deep beneath the Earth’s surface must be tapped. These resources can be extracted, brought to the surface, and used to generate electricity when geological conditions permit.

While Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, and Djibouti are among the other African nations with geothermal potential, their development has not kept up with Kenya’s. In particular, Ethiopia has had to deal with challenges including political unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic’s consequences, and the aftermath of the Tigray War. However, Rystad Energy believes that in the upcoming decades, Ethiopia’s power mix will be more varied and that geothermal energy will play a bigger part. According to the estimate, Ethiopia is expected to become a significant user of geothermal energy.