Geothermal Energy: What’s Happening in Africa Right Now?

If you’ve heard the buzz about solar and wind, you might wonder why geothermal is getting attention. It’s simple: underground heat can produce electricity and heating without fuel, and Africa sits on huge hot spots that are still underused.

Why Geothermal Matters

Geothermal plants run all day, unlike solar that needs sunshine. That steady output helps keep the lights on when clouds roll in. For countries with limited grid access, a geothermal plant can bring power to villages that never saw electricity before.

Beyond electricity, the heat can warm homes, dry crops, or run greenhouses. That means farmers can grow more food and reduce reliance on costly diesel generators. And because the process releases almost no carbon, it fits nicely into climate goals.

Jobs are another big plus. Building a plant needs engineers, drillers, and local workers. Once running, you need technicians for maintenance. Those jobs stay for decades, giving communities a real economic boost.

Recent Projects and Policy Moves

Kenya continues to lead the continent, adding new wells in the Rift Valley that will raise its capacity by another 500 MW. The project is backed by both the government and private investors who see a reliable return.

In Ethiopia, a pilot plant near the Awash basin is testing how to pair geothermal power with nearby agricultural projects. If it works, the model could spread to other hot spots across the Horn of Africa.

South Africa’s Department of Energy just released a draft plan to fast‑track permits for geothermal drilling. The move is aimed at cutting red tape that has slowed projects for years.

Investors are also paying attention. A European fund announced a $200 million commitment to develop geothermal sites in Tanzania and Mozambique. The money will cover drilling, grid connections, and training locals to run the plants.

What does this mean for you? If you live near a geothermal hotspot, keep an eye on local news – new plants often bring community programs, scholarships, or job fairs. And if you’re a business owner, consider how stable, cheap heat could lower your operating costs.

Staying updated is easy. Follow Rowallan Park Daily News Africa’s tag page for geothermal energy, and you’ll get fresh stories as soon as they break. We’ll bring you project launches, policy changes, and real‑world impacts on the ground.

Bottom line: geothermal isn’t just a niche tech. It’s a growing source of clean, reliable power that can create jobs, support farms, and help Africa meet climate targets. Keep watching this space – the next big announcement could be just around the corner.