In an effort to find a lasting energy solution in the country, the Kenyan government has promised to offer geothermal expertise to Rwanda.

Speaking to The New Times yesterday, the State Minister in Charge of Energy and Water, Eng. Coletha Ruhamya, said that they are exploring a partnership with the Kenyan government in capacity building and drilling of geothermal wells.

"Recently in Nairobi, I held discussions with the Kenyan ministry of energy and they are willing to partner with and assist us in geothermal development because they are advanced in that area,” she said.

Ruhamya added that soon, her ministry will sign an agreement with the Kenyan government on how the partnership would be implemented.

"Currently, we have 12 geothermal scientists, engineers and technicians in Kenya who are being trained by the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) on geothermal technology in Nakuru, west of Nairobi,” she explained.

The 35-day training includes seminars and field tours, general geothermal technology, drilling, geology and hydrogeology, geophysics, geochemistry, reservoir engineering and management.

Ruhamya disclosed that Kenya would send experts to facilitate the establishment of structures and systems in exploration drilling and power plants.

She observed that Geothermal is one of the few alternative energy sources in the region for secure and reliable supply of energy which the government wants to prioritise.

Minister Ruhamaya said that Rwanda has potential to extract about 700 MW of Geothermal power, adding that government would start the drilling process.

In a statement, the GDC Managing Director, Dr. Silas Simiyu said his company is ready to provide all the requisite expertise to spur the growth of the geothermal sector in the region.

"We have a wide range of expertise in geothermal and we are very happy to share this with other countries in the region,” he added.

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