Let us for a moment not talk about calls and customer service and AHT for a moment today talk latest developments in Agriculture. Shall we?
Kenya has made impressive strides in harnessing the immense heat from the Earth’s core to power its electricity needs. Geothermal power plants now account for nearly half of the country’s electricity generation. With vast untapped potential, numerous industries are eyeing Kenya as a hub to leverage these abundant renewable energy resources.
Yet, geothermal energy’s applications extend far beyond just electricity production. Rather than using the superheated steam to drive turbines, the heat can be directly utilized for a variety of agricultural applications. Many countries have already integrated geothermal heating and cooling into their agribusiness sectors.
Geothermal energy can be used to heat and cool greenhouses, enabling the cultivation of diverse crops even in challenging climates. Iceland’s geothermally-heated greenhouses, for instance, allow the country to grow a wide range of fruits and vegetables locally. Geothermal heat can also be employed for soil sterilization, crop drying, and milk pasteurization. Aquaculture facilities also commonly utilize geothermal resources to maintain optimal water temperatures for various fish species.
While the Global North has extensively harnessed geothermal energy in agriculture, Africa has barely scratched the surface of this potential. A handful of projects, primarily in Kenya, have begun tapping geothermal resources to power greenhouses and other agricultural enterprises. However, the vast majority of this renewable energy source remains untapped across the continent.
Recognizing the Opportunities
Helen Robinson, the Africa regional manager for the International Geothermal Association, notes that African countries are now starting to “realize the potential opportunities around geothermal heating and cooling” and its ability to address food security challenges.
Unlike electricity generation, which typically requires access to very high-temperature geothermal resources (at least 150°C), direct-use applications can leverage much lower-temperature water. This opens up the possibility for a wider range of countries to benefit from geothermal energy in their agricultural sectors.
Kenya’s Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has been pioneering the direct use of geothermal energy in its Menengai pilot project. Here, a “cascade system” is employed, where the gradually cooling water is utilized in multiple applications – from milk pasteurization to grain drying, fish farming, and greenhouse heating.
Even in Africa’s warmer climate, the ability to precisely control greenhouse temperatures can be crucial for optimizing growing conditions and reducing the risk of fungal infections. Geothermal systems are also used for cooling purposes, with excess warm air pumped underground to release the heat.
A Transformative Potential
While Kenya leads the charge in geothermal energy development, other African nations are also taking steps to harness this renewable resource. Zambia, for instance, is preparing to commission a small geothermal pilot plant this year, with plans to scale up to 12 MW by 2030. The project aims to provide energy for agri-industrial processes, alongside electricity for the wider market, to bolster food security.
However, the path to developing geothermal resources is fraught with challenges. The exploration and drilling phase can be costly and high-risk, as there is no guarantee of encountering a commercially viable resource. Financing remains a significant hurdle, as investors remain cautious due to the potential for project failures.
Nevertheless, as drilling technologies improve and policymakers recognize the benefits, the prospects for geothermal energy to play a transformative role in African agriculture are promising. The impact on food production and security could be substantial, as countries tap into this abundant, renewable, and versatile energy source.
Isn’t this monumental?
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