THE FUTURE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN WEST AFRICA (ENHANCED GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS)

THE FUTURE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN WEST AFRICA (Enhanced Geothermal Systems Solutions)  ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS

ABSTRACT

In the last two decades, the energy situation in West Africa has received rather negative remarks in terms of output quality and environmental friendliness. The problems of in-termittent power supply and unavailability, especially in the rural areas, are on the rise as population increases and service quality drops.

This study analyses geothermal energy for the sake of basic understanding in order to shed more light on Enhanced Geothermal Systems as a preferred option, reviewing the possible challenges and viability of a project of this nature in the region. The present energy status is considered in more detail, together with reasons underlying it. More so, it reflects on the past, present and future trends to give an idea of what the actual future would look like depending on the choices we make today.

1    INTRODUCTION

The present energy situation in Western Africa reflects commendable efforts which have brought us to a pivot that should mark the start of a progressive energy revolution in the direction of renewable, and readily available, sustainable energy options. In spite of West Africa’s previous energy achievements, there is room to build a future of unin-terrupted power supply by creating reliable backups or even upgrading existing systems to more reliable ones. Unfortunately, only 1 out of 3 people in west Africa enjoy access to electricity and sadly, the situation is expected to worsen by 5% yearly for the next 20years (Doblas, M., et al 2002).

However, this study communicates the possibilities, challenges and feasibility of install-ing geothermal systems as reliable options for the West African green energy future. Geothermal energy is one on the least considered power alternatives due to regional geological conditions, but with technological research and development in Environ-mental Engineering, the future is possible. I see Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) as a viable option which would stand, irrespective of these limiting location setbacks, and have therefore analysed the limiting factors which have plagued the past, present and future of this energy resource in West Africa.

THE FUTURE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN WEST AFRICA (Enhanced Geothermal Systems Solutions)  ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS