The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania had the pleasure of hosting and organizing the Fifth African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C5) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This conference was organized under the auspices of the UNEP-ARGeo Programme as one of its biennial geothermal conferences. The UNEP-ARGeo Programme, through its regional networking and information systems project component, supported and assisted member countries in hosting and organizing the biennial regional geothermal conferences in coordination with other geothermal support programmes and partners, such as the Icelandic International Development Agency (ICEIDA), Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), Geothermal Development Company (GDC), Geothermal Training Programme of the United Nations University (UNU-GTP), African Union Commission (AUC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the East African Regional Branch (EARB) of the International Geothermal Association (IGA).
The four previous biennial conferences were held in Ethiopia (2006), Uganda (2008), Djibouti (2010), and Kenya (2012). ARGeo-C5 was held at the Arusha International Conference Center (AICC) in Arusha, Tanzania, from October 29-31, 2014.
Three parallel geothermal pre-conference short courses were held on October 27-28, 2014. A post-conference field trip was also planned for November 1-2, 2014. The main conference took place from October 29-31, 2014.
Key Dates
Call for Abstracts
Closed
Abstract Submission Deadline
30 April 2014
Notification of Abstract Acceptance
15-30th May 2014
Call for Submission of Full Papers
Open
Full Papers Submission deadline
30 July 2014
Technical Papers Review
30th July to 30th Aug 2014
Notification for corrections to authors
15th August 2014
Deadline for Final Technical papers submissions
30th September 2014
Notification to authors of assignment of papers for presentation
30th September 2014
Conference Dates
27th Oct to 2nd Nov 2014
Mother Nature has bestowed our continent with an abundance of geothermal resources. It was our duty to develop these resources and spur development in the region. There was no doubt that we were in the ‘Geothermal Era,’ and we needed to harness this resource with the urgency it deserved. In this context, the conference provided an opportunity to create a platform to discuss how to fast-track the development of geothermal resources in the region. Delegates who participated in the conference were expected to:
- Meet key policymakers central to the growth of the geothermal sector in the region
- Maximize their presence in the world’s most exciting geothermal region
- Discuss crucial challenges of streamlining project development, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
- Be the first to hear about forthcoming geothermal project opportunities in the region
- Hear firsthand case studies from developers and learn from their experiences
- Learn what makes geothermal projects successful
- Form local and international partnerships to consolidate their business’s standing in the region
- Have opportunities to make business partnerships and hold private meetings with interested companies
The conference provided an opportunity to establish relationships and raise the profile of exhibitors’ and sponsors’ companies in the region. Taking sponsorship or an exhibition stand was the most targeted and cost-effective way to reach key industry decision-makers. With an audience of government representatives, geothermal developers, investors, and energy companies, ARGeo-C5 was the ideal platform to meet the right people face to face and create new business relationships crucial for consolidating one’s business position in the geothermal industry.
Participants were able to:
- Connect with and gain access to key decision-makers
- Meet new clients and reaffirm relationships with existing ones
- Understand the needs of potential clients and tailor services to meet them
- Establish their company’s position among industry movers and shakers
- Benchmark their strategy with other major solution providers
- Make the right connections to ensure the future success of their business
The ARGeo-C9 Conference provided an excellent opportunity for national, regional, and international exhibitors—including independent power producers, business professionals, development partners, government institutions, manufacturers, and individuals—to showcase their technology and products/services. The conference also offered an opportunity to establish relationships and raise the profile of exhibitors’ and sponsors’ companies in the region.
Four concurrent short courses were planned to take place prior to the main conference. These were:
- Low Temperature Geothermal Systems and Direct Use Application
- Geothermal Project Management and Financing
- Reservoir Modeling and Well Testing
- Geothermal Resource Decision Modules 1 and 2: Volcanic and Deep Circulation
UNEP, Gigiri
