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| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
How can geothermal energy be further developed to diversify the energy portfolio?
Guedi: Djibouti has been harnessing the power of its geothermal resources for nearly 50 years. However, it was not until the 2013 creation of the Djibouti Geothermal Energy Development Authority that the government provided a framework to encourage this development. The newly created school of excellence aims to boost human capital capacity in the private and public spheres to support the country’s future market needs. As neighbouring Kenya is a global pioneer in geothermal exploitation, we are also building strong bilateral relations with their government to develop a strategy and provide technical training for 80 Djiboutians.
With the recent launch of geothermal drilling programmes in Djibouti – specifically in Fialé – exploiting this potential will soon yield returns. This exploration is enhanced by the involvement of multiple stakeholders, both technical and financial. The World Bank, the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency and many others actively participate in the transition to clean energy. Given the amount of financing that goes into all phases of geothermal development, international involvement is vital to the industry’s success. Djibouti has a natural geothermal capacity of between 600 and 1000 MW.
