Africa’s geothermal potential could transform the continent’s energy landscape, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) identifying it as a key opportunity to meet growing electricity demands. The IEA highlights that geothermal energy, which currently accounts for just 1% of global electricity, could grow to 15% by 2050 through advancements in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). Africa, with an estimated EGS capacity of 115 terawatts (one-fifth of the global total) has the potential to lead this transformation. Tapping less than 1% of its geothermal resources could supply the continent’s entire electricity demand by mid-century.
Kenya, already a leader in geothermal energy, generates over 40% of its electricity from this resource, leveraging its location along the East African Rift. While most geothermal operations have traditionally been tied to volcanic zones, EGS technology expands the potential to non-volcanic regions, making geothermal energy a viable option for more African countries.
Key barriers to wider adoption include high upfront exploration costs, regulatory hurdles, and limited awareness of geothermal’s capabilities. Tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are addressing these challenges by integrating geological, seismic, and thermal data to identify high-potential zones.
A recent GIS-based geothermal potential map for Africa highlights 14 key regions, including the Kenyan Rift, the Gulf of Suez, the Main Ethiopian Rift, and areas in Southern Africa. This mapping approach has already proven successful in countries like Indonesia and Turkey, reducing exploration costs and improving targeting for geothermal development.
Investing in geothermal energy could provide Africa with a reliable, renewable energy source, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and addressing the energy needs of a growing population. Geothermal energy’s consistent output makes it a particularly valuable addition to Africa’s energy mix, complementing intermittent sources like solar and wind. With strategic investments and supportive policies, Africa has the potential to become a global leader in geothermal energy, driving sustainable development and energy independence.