East Africa geothermal energy: Review of donor initiatives and current regulatory framework.

Updates on donor activities and the development of regulatory framework in Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda energy in Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda.

Abstract

Geothermal energy development has recently become a popular topic in the East African Region. The East Africa Geothermal Energy – Review of Donor Initiative and Current Regulatory Framework provides updates on donor activities and the development of regulatory framework for geothermal energy in Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda.

One of the main conclusions from this assignment is that there are a number of donor activities in the geothermal sector in all four countries. But the scale and significance of activity varies by country. None of the countries currently feature donor assistance that appears to holistically address geothermal development. However some countries, Tanzania for example, appear now to be starting to consider a more coordinated and strategic approach to potential donor assistance. There does not appear to be much regional cooperation, for example to share experience, approaches and models for practical geothermal development and power investment between countries.

The status of geothermal policy and regulations in the four countries is variable, as identified in the tables in this report. In addition, the commitment of the government themselves varies. The Government of Rwanda seems to be most committed to the development of the geothermal sector. The Government of Tanzania is now more committed to geothermal, after the speech from the new Minister of Energy and Mines that Tanzania has to start diversifying its energy mix, and that geothermal is one of the priorities. While the Government of Ethiopia and Uganda have shown interest in the geothermal sector, their power sector focus at present is mainly on the development of hydro generation and in the case of Uganda responsibility for licensing and development is with the Ministry of Energy and Mining that is more focussed on oil.

The Report is structured as follows:
-Section 2 provides updates on the status of geothermal sector development
-Section 3 provides updates on the regulatory position of each country

-Section 4 provides updates on donor activities in each country
-Section 5 summarises some of the key conclusions from this assignment.

Citation

Economic Consultants Associated Ltd. East Africa geothermal energy: Review of donor initiatives and current regulatory framework. Evidence on Demand, UK (2012) 33 pp. [DOI: 10.12774/eod_cr.oct2012.ecal]

East Africa geothermal energy: Review of donor initiatives and current regulatory framework.

Published 1 January 2012