Uganda establishes government department for geothermal
Sempaya geothermal hot springs, Uganda (source: flickr/ Joostv, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
13 Oca 2014
Uganda establishes Geothermal Resources Department to steer and help geothermal development for power generation in the country.
As part of its drive to fast-track geothermal energy development, the government of Uganda is now establishing a Geothermal Resources Department within the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
The goal is to assist the development of geothermal energy resources of Uganda for power generation. The plan is still awaiting approval from the Finance Ministry.
The Department will steer geothermal development and is a similar effort as that by Kenya or Tanzania, that both established geothermal entities to help development. Kenya established its Geothermal Development Company (GDC) and Tanzania established an own independent institution.
In Uganda, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has extended support and technical assistance. JICA has so far visited 17 different sites in southwestern and western Uganda in seven administrative districts. “Surface studies are to be undertaken in Panyimur (Nebbi District), Kibiro (Hoima), Katwe-Kikorongo (Kasese) and Buranga (Bundibugyo-Ntoroko)”, so Vincent Kata, the principal geologist in the Department of Geological Survey and Mines in Uganda.
Further studies are being done on other sites, and it is worked on establishing and managing data bases and capacity building with partners from Iceland and Kenya.
Currently there are seven companies that have received exploration licenses in Uganda.
Source: National News Agency of Malaysia
