WorldWide Drilling Resource

42 OCTOBER 2013 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® New Geothermal Project to Begin in Rwanda Adapted from Information by the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation A new project is under way as WWDR continues coverage of geo- thermal efforts in Rwanda. The Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) and the Energy, Water, and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) of Rwanda are fast-tracking development of the country’s geother- mal resources. The government has already commissioned various studies indicating viable geothermal resources, which can be developed for least-cost baseload power generation and direct industrial applications. Furthermore, they have employed consultants to carry out environmental and social studies on the impacts of identifying and exploiting potential geothermal resources. The majority of the world’s geo- thermal resources are located in devel- oping and emerging markets which are in many cases exactly those most in need of clean, stable, and low-cost power - as is the case with Rwanda. Geothermal energy is a clean energy source combining low emissions with economics superior to most other sources of energy. However, growth in geothermal energy has been some- what slower than growth in wind and solar energy, largely due to the location of resources in these developing parts of the world where investors have been reluctant to take risks and commit the considerable capital required by ex- ploratory drilling activities. Reykjavik Geothermal (RG), a geo- thermal development, investment, and consulting company based in Iceland, is bucking this trend by focusing their work on emerging and developing mar- kets such as Rwanda. RG is teaming with EWSA for development of the Karisimbi Geothermal Prospect with two primary goals in mind: 1. Prove the existence of a geo- thermal energy source that is envi- ronmental ly friendly, as wel l as economically and technically feasi- ble to harness; and 2. Pave the way for private sector investment bringing up to 5-10 MWe (megawatts electric) of afford- able geothermal power on line as soon as possible, and then expand to 160 MWe and beyond if the resource allows. EWSA’s strategy is to optimize development speed and eventual power prices by financing exploration drilling from loans and grants from their devel- opment partners. The Nordic Climate A Reykjavik Geothermal representative visits Rwanda. Photo courtesy of rg.is Facility is currently providing support to enable RG to act as a project manager for the predrilling and drilling phases, thus bringing their expertise on a range of disciplines and maximizing chances of exploration success. A proven re- source would be offered to investors for construction of geothermal power plants either as public-private partner- ships or purely private enterprises. Currently, Africa is only using 1-2% of its estimated geothermal power potential, almost al l of it in Kenya. Reykjavik Geothermal is set to become the first major geothermal developer focusing exclusively on developing and emerging markets. The company be- lieves opportunities are plentiful, and hopes their efforts will lead other devel- opers to follow suit. .)- 31 &.0 2(% --3!+ .-&%0%-#% !-$ 0!$% (.4 ,"!116 3)2%1 .0,!- .2%+ .-&%0%-#% %-2%0 .-&%0%-#% %-2%0 0 .0,!- %2 0%!$6 &.0 7 0%!2 5()")21 7 .-2)-3)-' $3#!2).- //.023-)2)%1 7 0%!2 ),% 2. )1)2 4)2( 0)%-$1 . 0%')12%0 #!++ !#(%+ )'3%0.! .0 '. .-+)-% 444 .*'0.3-$4!2%0 .0' !-3!06 • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com Atlantis V Atlant ault WWDR ’s annual Buyers Meet Sellers is the MOST AFFORDABLE market- ing opportunity of the year! Online link for an entire year, and a listing in our December issue for one low price. Hurry! The deadline is October 11, 2013! Call for details. 850-547-0102