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BVC Geothermal Project

About the BVC Project

The Barrier Volcanic Complex, the northernmost geothermal prospect within the Kenyan Rift Valley, is situated on the southern shores of Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake. The BVC separates Lake Turkana from the Suguta Valley. The volcanic complex takes the form of a whale-back ridge 20 km long and 15 km wide and consisting of four distinct shield volcanoes. Kenya’s most recent volcanic eruption was at the BVC in 1921.

In the early 1990s, a British Geological Survey team conducted reconnaissance studies in this location. Findings revealed strong surface manifestations of a hydrothermal system. In 2011, exploration studies conducted at the BVC by a Kenyan energy parastatal revealed a resource with sub-surface temperatures of up to 281°C. Olsuswa Energy’s own surface studies programme, conducted in March 2019, confirmed a high-temperature geothermal resource with an estimated potential of up to 600 MWe.

About the BVC Project

The Barrier Volcanic Complex, the northernmost geothermal prospect within the Kenyan Rift Valley, is situated on the southern shores of Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake. The BVC separates Lake Turkana from the Suguta Valley. The volcanic complex takes the form of a whale-back ridge 20 km long and 15 km wide and consisting of four distinct shield volcanoes. Kenya’s most recent volcanic eruption was at the BVC in 1921.

In the early 1990s, a British Geological Survey team conducted reconnaissance studies in this location. Findings revealed strong surface manifestations of a hydrothermal system. In 2011, exploration studies conducted at the BVC by a Kenyan energy parastatal revealed a resource with sub-surface temperatures of up to 281°C. Olsuswa Energy’s own surface studies programme, conducted in March 2019, confirmed a high-temperature geothermal resource with an estimated potential of up to 600 MWe.

An aerial view of the OEL surface studies fly camp overlooking the majestic Ng’iro ranges.
Part of the KenGen geophysics team laying out equipment for an MT survey.
The Geology team in action at the Kakorinya Caldera in the Barrier Volcanic Complex.
A geochemist studies rock alteration through effervescence, by applying hydrochloric acid on a rock formation at the BVC.
One of the daily evening review and planning meetings at the surface studies programme.
An incomparable 6.10 am shot of helicopters prepping for the day’s maiden lift-off to the Barrier.
An OEL scientist keenly observes real-time field data analysis by KenGen experts.
The surface studies involved meticulous logistical planning as seen here; seamless drop-offs of staff at designated times.
A marvellous view of a section of the Barrier’s geomorphology, nostalgic of the Grand Canyon.
A lava cape in microcosm, on the southern shores of Lake Turkana, jetting into the sea. At the background is the salient Southern Island.
County administration and security apparatus of the Turkana County Government play a significant role in the operations of the BVC Geothermal Project.
A Member of County Assembly (MCA) addressing the community in Katilia during an engagement organized by Olsuswa Energy.
Community sensitization by a Turkana County opinion leader in an Olsuswa-led engagement.
Engagement of a Young Professionals group by a Turkana County Administrator, organized by Olsuswa Energy.
A Member of County Assembly (MCA) addressing the community in Parkati during an engagement organized by Olsuswa Energy.
One of the many public fora that Olsuswa Energy utilizes to engage with the project community and the area leadership.
A community sensitization activity in Katilia by the Turkana-East Member of Parliament, organized by Olsuswa Energy.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Turkana County Government and Olsuswa Energy Limited in 2018.
A section of the Turkana County leadership addressing the project community in one of Olsuswa’s stakeholder engagement meetings in Parkati village.
Part of a community audience keenly following proceedings in a public forum organized by Olsuswa Energy.

Roadmap

Award of Geothermal Resource License • April 2016

Olsuswa Energy was awarded a Geothermal Resource Licence by Kenya’s Ministry of Energy, in accordance with the Geothermal Resources Act of 1982.

LiDAR Acquisition & Aerial Photography • July 2017

Olsuswa Energy carried out Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and high-precision photographic surveys for an 80-km road alignment and the 136-km² licence area.

GRMF Grant Contract Signing • October 2017

Olsuswa Energy signed a grant contract with the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF) after qualifying in the third round of the surface studies’ application.

Memorandum of Understanding • April 2018

Olsuswa Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Turkana County Government. The MoU outlines obligations and duties of the two parties with respect to Olsuswa’s geothermal development in the host County.

Environmental & Social Impact Assessment • July 2018

Olsuswa Energy conducted an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the 80-km-long Elelea–Kokoit–Barrier road in Turkana East Sub-county.

Socio-Economic Baseline Studies • December 2018

As a precursor to its geothermal exploration and wider development activities, Olsuswa Energy carried out detailed baseline studies in late 2018 and early 2019 focusing on the project area and immediate environs.

BVC Surface Studies • March 2019

Extensive surface exploration encompassing geological, geochemical and geophysical studies was conducted in the 136-km² BVC licence area. A multinational team of Kenyan and Icelandic experts collaborated in completing a rigorous month-long programme of collecting quality data. The end result was a conceptual geothermal model complete with exploratory drilling targets.

Drilling & Infrastructure ESIA • 2020/2021

In accordance with industry best practices, Olsuswa Energy will carry out a detailed drilling and infrastructure Environmental and Social Impact Assessment before initiating any drilling-related activity.

Exploration Well Drilling • 2021/2022

Four exploratory wells will be drilled in the highest-priority resource area of the Barrier Volcanic Complex. The drilling activity will involve novel technology to balance risk and to ensure efficacy and productivity.

Well Testing • 2022/2023

After the exploratory drilling, Olsuswa Energy will carry out a variety of measurements in each well with the aim of gathering data on production potential, well characteristics and reservoir properties. Such measurements will include temperature/pressure logging, tracer tests and well simulations.

Wellhead Installation • 2023

Through wellhead technology, Olsuswa Energy will use a phased approach in developing its geothermal resource over the long term, ensuring that steam produced from individual wells can be utilised to generate power before construction of the main power plant.

Transmission Line Construction • 2023/2024

Based on feasibility studies conducted for grid interconnection between the BVC licence area and the proximal Loiyangalani sub-station, Olsuswa Energy will build a transmission line of determined voltage to evacuate generated power from the BVC.

Power Evacuation • 2024/2025

With all antecedents in place, Olsuswa Energy will evacuate power from the BVC to the national grid.