Integrating environmental management (designs) in the development of geothermal energy; cases of Olkaria geothermal project and Menengai crater prospect of Nakuru district, Kenya

Abstract

This study was conducted immediate in the Menengai Crater geothermal vicinity and at Olkaria Geothermal objective was to propose geothermal production, a pro-active Development prospect Project. The overall land-use design that puts into place clean reduced subsidence and earthquake effects, and conservation of wildlife on the two geothermal areas. The specific objectives were: to map the area around Menengai generate Crater indicating an inventory the current of socio-economic locations parameters of geothermal for future monitoring change around the Menengai Crater geothermal geothermal development wells; to planning and prospect, to carry out a impact evaluation on wildlife population census and density in Hell's Gate National Park (HGNP) and the effect on the adjoining ranches for the period running 1996-2001, to propose emergency contingency measures required in protecting human life, property and other natural resources in the event of subsidence and/or earthquake hazard(s) arising from geothermal development and finally to propose probable electricity conservation policies in major urban centers in Kenya. Both primary and secondary methods were: photography methods of data collection were used. The primary and use of aerial photographs while pocket stereoscope was used to locate geological lineaments on aerial photographs the use of binoculars administration of questionnaires data collection literature were included in journals, also undertaken. Data was to 150 household respondents the extensive publications study of similar and government Observations also elicited through Secondary methods of researches, of Kenya plus relevant documents. Both method is of data. analysis were used. Data was presented qualitative and quantitative through generation of base maps, photography, pie chart tables, and explanations. The findings established relation to geothermal that environmental development planning in the Menengai and management and Nakuru designs in town areas are inadequate. It was also noted that Kenya can, in future, rely more on sustainable geothermal energy (with more than 2000 MWs potential) hydropower that is vulnerable to weather patterns measures could save up to 350MWs and or thereabouts distribution and consumption and than the unpredictable seasons. Conservation if undertaken at production, stages. The study recommends synoptic (comprehensive, holistic and scientific principles) environmental design for the Menengai geothermal prospect area and incremental (as the need arises) environmental Olkaria II. Incremental that currently need design for the operational design is useful for operational new technologies, sustainable. Zero development engineering plants like the old Olkaria I feats steady state in geothermal development. of buildings and design is proposed as an alternative conservation of electricity that guarantees inter-generational reinforcement and the old Olkaria I and policies that are approach in the equity, conservation and Finally, relocation of people from fault lines, for people whose lives are likeJy to be affected by the land-use change are recommended for Nakuru town