ARGEO C10 SHORT COURSE HIGHLIGHTS,

OCTOBER 21 – 22, 2024

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Short Course 1: United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) of Geothermal Resources

The Short Course was facilitated by Greg Ussher, Jacobs. Learners were excited to conclude the topics that were covered. The facilitators caught the attention of their learners through the examples they were using in their lectures. Among the topics covered were: How to assess and apply UNFC to a portfolio. The class ended with group presentations of the activities various teams had been given to prepare and present. The class had more than thirty (30) learners.

Short Course 2: Geothermal Resource Assessment and Reservoir Engineering

This course was facilitated by Dr John O’Sullivan, Dr Theo Renaud, Dr Ryan Tonkin, Dr Jeremy Riffault, and Joris Popineau. Students were eager to understand how the various resource modelling is done to achieve the desired results. The course facilitators were generous enough to use various illustrations to show various models of assessing geothermal resources. About twenty (20) leaners attended this course.

Short Course 3: Development of Shallow Geothermal Resources for Direct Heat Utilization

Direct use of geothermal resources is one area that is gaining traction across the world. There is so much that can be done with the low enthalpy wells to create, among many others, employment, improve food production and improve livelihoods. This course was facilitated by Dr Meseret Teklemariam Zemedkun, Dr. Jacques Varet, Dr Peter Omenda, Eng Kato Theonest Kabaka, Mr. Amani Christopher Berre, Eng Martha Mburu and Bernard Rotich. Topics covered include the following: Occurrences and distribution of shallow, Low to medium-temperature geothermal resources in Africa, feasibility studies for development of DU for low to medium temp resources, Binary electricity generation (as pertains to shallow resources development), Direct use possibilities in Africa, among many other topics. The course ended with project work, group presentations and discussions. This class had about twenty (20 learners) attended.

Short Course 4 – Role of Geothermal Energy in Leveraging the Carbon Market in Africa

Carbon Market is the new venture that African countries are getting into. Carbon markets aim to achieve climate targets and implement climate actions cost effectively to allow the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions without compromising equity.  This course was facilitated by Peketsa Mangi, Kizito Opondo, Prof. Zahabu, Dr. Kanizio, F. Manyika and Dr. Meseret. The following was covered: Carbon market instruments, Carbon tax, Types of Carbon Markets, among many other topics. The course ended with examples of how various organizations can tap into carbon financing. The class attracted more than fifteen trainees.

Short Course Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony was full of excited faces, having completed successfully undertaking the respective four courses. The chief guest, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Dr James Mataragio accompanied with The Commissioner for Electricity and Energy, Eng Innocent Luoga thanked the facilitators for their sacrifice to share the knowledge with the learners. In his closing remarks,

Dr Mataragio thanked the Energy Unit of UNEP for supporting and facilitating the execution of the Short Courses. Dr Meseret thanked all the trainees for availing themselves in the training and hoped that they would use the knowledge they had gained in improving geothermal development in their respective fields. Dr Meseret indicated that fourteen countries were represented in the four courses.

These countries are: Burundi, Comoros, Cameroon, Djibouti, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. She was proud to announce the great strides the UNEP Energy Unit had made in facilitating the Short Courses and supporting various organizations in capacity building across the fourteen countries. Dr Mataragio awarded the trainees certificates of participation for successfully attending and participating in the short courses.  Trainees came from fourteen (14) African countries. These are Burundi, Comoros, Cameroon, Djibouti, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia

 Three-Day African Geothermal Conference Opened at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre

The tenth African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C10) with an attendance of more than 500 participants from about 36 countries was officially opened by H.E. Dr Philip Isdor Mpango, Deputy President of the Republic of Tanzania. H.E. Dr Mpango expressed his honor at Tanzania being chosen to host the conference, especially at such a crucial time marked by a global fuel crisis. He mentioned that projections for global electricity demand by 2029 indicate a potential shortage of energy supply. Tanzania currently generates 2,800 MW from gas, fossil fuels, and hydropower. However, the Vice President continued, “the country has faced electricity shortages due to droughts, as hydropower remains a major contributor. In response, the Tanzanian government has made the strategic decision to diversify its energy mix, with a focus on developing geothermal resources as a more reliable and sustainable option.”

Official Speeches

Eng. Felchesmi Mramba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Tanzania, warmly welcomed all national and international participants, emphasizing the significance of this conference for Tanzania. He highlighted that the event came at a crucial time as Tanzania accelerated the development of its geothermal resources. Geothermal energy was seen as a key contributor to Tanzania’s future development and offered opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. Other key guests included George Mkuchika, Minister of State in the President’s Office, Minister Hon. Shaibu Hassan Kaduara (MBW), Minister for Water, Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Dr. Doto Biteko, the Deputy Minister of Energy, Hon. Judith Kapinga, Hon. Albert Chalamila, Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, Hon. James Opiyo Wandayi, EGH, Kenya Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr. Ahamada El Badaoui Mohamed, Ambassador of the Union of Comoros to Tanzania, Mozambique and Burundi.

Among others speakers were, Mr. Mark Schreiner, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian government for aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. He highlighted the role of geothermal energy in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable economic development. Mark also emphasized the importance of integrating clean cooking solutions into the geothermal energy mix to improve public health and environmental preservation.

Dr. Meseret Teklemariam Zemedkun, Head, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Office in South Africa, representing UNEP-Africa, thanked Tanzania government for hosting the ARGeo-C10 conference, which aims to strengthen collaboration between member states. She emphasized that UNEP was committed to accelerating the development of geothermal resources for climate stability and sustainable development. She noted that Africa faced challenges such as a lack of skilled personnel and financial risks but stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to overcome these obstacles. UNEP’s programs, funded by USAID, SIDA, Germany, and New Zealand, had achieved significant progress in geothermal resource exploration over the past decade.

Dr. Peter Omenda, the interim President, Africa Geothermal Association (AGA) expressed his honor in taking on the responsibility of managing ARGeo programmes from UNEP and committed to leading the African association in geothermal development. He emphasized the importance of geothermal energy not only for electricity generation but also for direct uses such as agriculture and for industrialization. Dr Omenda called for continued support to advance ARGeo’s mission and urged all African countries with geothermal resources to actively participate in AGA programmes. He reiterated Kenya’s commitment to helping Africa in this endeavor through technical assistance and capacity building. He further assured the participants that AGA is a fully registered organization under the Kenyan Laws and with well-established organization structure to steer the organization to higher levels.

Dr. Omenda receiving instruments for the ARGeo programme from UNEP through Dr. Meseret.

Judith Salvio Kapinga, Deputy Minister for Energy expressed her gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, EGH, for her vision in expanding Tanzania’s energy distribution, highlighting geothermal energy’s potential to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. She noted that Tanzania’s geothermal capacity is projected to reach 1,995 MW, which will significantly contribute to the national grid. She also aligned Tanzania’s goals with SDG7 and expressed excitement about the outcomes of the conference, which she believes will propel Tanzania’s geothermal resource development.. Various plenary sessions were held discussing topics on trends in the energy sector around the world. Some of the themes in the plenary sessions were,A Game Changer for Future Geothermal Resource Development and Insights into the African Energy Mix. Hon Opiyo Wandayi, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum promised Kenya’s support to ensure AGA succeeds in its planned activities and programmes.

Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum addressing participants during the ARGeo-C10 opening session.

Visit to the Booths

More than 15 international, regional and local companies exhibited their products and services during the tenth ARGeo conference. The exhibitions were opened by H.E. Dr Philip Isdor Mpango, Deputy President of the Republic of Tanzania accompanied by Hon. Judith Salvio Kapinga, Deputy Minister for Energy and Hon. George Mukuchika, Minister for State in the Office of the President among other dignitaries.

Ministerial Roundtable Discussion on Energy Transition and Geothermal Resources

The ministers’ roundtable focused on the critical need for affordable, climate-resilient energy to support economic growth and job creation. A particular emphasis was placed on the role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in facilitating this energy transition. This discussion was led by Hon Kapinga and Dr Meseret. Key Contributions to the discussion included Hon James Wandayi EGH Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Kenyawho highlighted Kenya’s achievements in renewable energy, noting that the country is a leader in geothermal energy within the African continent. Kenya has a diverse energy portfolio that includes hydro, solar, and wind power, with 91% of its energy being renewable. He emphasized the stability of geothermal energy and the country’s commitment to expanding its geothermal projects. The Minister called for alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda for 2023, stressing that the speed of the just transition should prioritize public interest. He invited other nations to collaborate and adopt similar energy strategies.

Eng. Felchism Mramba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Tanzania reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to harnessing geothermal resources. While the country has strong hydroelectric potential, it cannot solely rely on it due to climate fluctuations. Tanzania is endowed with diverse energy sources, including hydro, natural gas, solar, wind, and geothermal, with a potential capacity of 4,000 MW compared to a maximum demand of 2,000 MW, suggesting an impending surplus.

Award to UNEP

In recognition of the contribution UNEP has made to member partners, with immense pride and happiness, the Guest of Honor handed over a plaque and a bouquet of flowers in appreciation from Africa Geothermal Association (AGA) to express sincere gratitude to UNEP for its role in the development of geothermal resources in Africa. Since year 2017, H.E. Dr. Mpango noted that UNEP, through GEF, funded ARGeo Development facility, initiated and supported the development of geothermal resources some of which had reached resource appraisal stages while others were at advanced stages of exploration. Ms. Clara Makenya received the gift on behalf of UNEP.

Champion’s Award

On behalf of AGA, Dr Mpango gave an award to Dr. Meseret T. Zemedkun in recognition of her outstanding contributions, contribution, dedication, devotion, and passion to the African geothermal course. The Vice President extended his deepest gratitude to the Energy Ministers from the six founding member countries – Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, who laid the foundation in 2006. Since then, the Vice President noted, ARGeo’s membership has grown to 13 countries, and now encompassing the entire African continent. Dr. Meseret has been pivotal in promoting the ARGeo programme, first during her time at the Geological Survey of Ethiopia (GSE), then driving its growth within the African Union Commission (AUC) under the Geothermal Energy Unit, and later leading it as Project Manager at UNEP from 2011 to 2021