CHALLENGES HINDERING THE EXPLOITATION OF GEOTHERMAL POWER IN KENYA
Abstract
The study sought to establish the challenges influencing the exploitationof geothermal power in Kenya. On the surface of the earth, the use of geothermal hot springs has been known since ancient times but active geothermal exploration for industrial purposes started at the beginning of the 19th century. Specifically, the study sought to establish how capital costs, shortage of local geothermal energy expertise, infrastructure development, existing legal policies and regulatory framework and of land access rights on the the exploitation of geothermal power in Kenya. This study was carried out through a descriptive research method. The study population consisted of the top, middle and lower level managers at Menengai Geothermal Power Project. Stratified proportionate random sampling technique was used to select the sample of 66 respondents (40% of the population). The study used a questionnaire to collect primary data. The pilot testing was conducted using the questionnaire on 10 respondents. The data was then coded and checked for any errors and omissions. Responses in the questionnaires were tabulated, coded and processed by use of a computer Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) programme to analyze the data. The study found out that to a great extent that capital cost affected exploitation of geothermal power in Kenya. Additionally the study found out that Geothermal Energy Experts influence the exploitation of geothermal power in Kenya. The study found out that to a very great extent, Legal and Regulatory Framework affected exploitation of geothermal power in Kenya. The study findings showed that Land Rights influence the exploitation of geothermal power in Kenya. From the findings, infrastructural Development influences the exploitation of geothermal power in Kenya. The transmissivity, i.e. the product of thickness and permeability of the aquifer, should be sufficient to permit a production of several thousands of cubic metres per day. It is the main risk factor and often the reason that potential aquifers and locations turn out to be unsuitable.
Keywords: Capital Costs, Geothermal Energy Expertise, Infrastructure Development, Legal Policies, Regulatory Framework, Land Access Rights
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v5i3.820
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