training report geothermal training report in eritrea .pdf1.background african countries reached to...
TRANSCRIPT
ERITREA, ASMARA 8-17 APRIL 2019
THE GEOTHERMAL TRAINING WORKSHOP ON SURFACE EXPLORATION STUIDES FOR GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT OF
CONCEPTUAL MODELS
Under the auspices of the Interim Project Coordination Unit of Africa Geothermal Center of Excellence
(IPCU-AGCE)
TRAINING REPORT
“Excellence is an art won by training and orientation”
“Excellence is an art won by training and orientation”
1.Background
African countries reached to a consensus of establishment and operation of the Africa Geothermal Center of Excellence in the context of (a) Regional Relevance: Align the Center with the regional needs and requirements; (b) Regional Ownership: The Center will be owned and led by all Africans and have all African Players on board; (c) Build on Existing Initiatives: Utilize the existing facilities and initiatives. The Government of Kenya hosts the Center due to its advanced existing institutional and infrastructural capacities including where the geothermal development value chain can be easily showcased and exhibited. The Africa Geothermal Center of Excellence aims to create a critical mass of experts in geothermal science and technology to address the challenges of inadequate local skilled manpower in the geothermal sector and enhance access to clean energy and green jobs in the region. This is being implemented in the context of providing innovative environmental solutions to achieve the various Global Sustainable Development Goals and Continental AU development Agenda of 2063: SDG 7, SDG 5, SDG 17 etc. The Africa Geothermal center of Excellence Steering Committee members held a series of meetings since August 2015 where it made a decision to set up an Interim Project coordination unit of AGCE (hosted by UN Environment Africa office) in order to meet the urgent training need and requirements of African countries while the full-fledged AGCE is established. UN Environment was tasked to provide technical support and develop an interim strategy, with stakeholders including holding a series of geothermal trainings under the auspices of IPCU AGCE: (i)using the existing Geothermal Development Company (GDC) and Kenyan Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) training facilities, and (ii) at various member countries as needed and required. In line with this, UN Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Iceland International development Agency (MFA-ICEIDA), United nations University-Geothermal Training Programme (UNU-GTP), Iceland Geosurvey and the Government of Eritrea through Ministry of Mines and Energy joined forces and organized the training on Surface Exploration Studies for Geothermal Resources and Development of Conceptual Models. A total of about 23 trainees were trained. The detailed programme of the training and list of participants are enclosed as Annex 1.
2. The Training
The training on Surface Exploration Studies for Geothermal Resources and Development of Conceptual Models.was held in Eritrea, Asmara from 8-17 April 2019. The training was related to the IPCU-AGCE training Module of Level 1 entitled “Introduction to Geothermal Science and Technology”. The course gave emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects including field activities. The detail training programme is enclosed in Annex 1. The training courses had two parts (i) Theoretical and (ii) Practical aspects. The theoretical part of this training was held In the at the National Confederation Center of Eritrean Workers Convention Center, Asmara from 8-12 April 2019 whereas the Practical part of the training was held at Mai weyi low to medium temperature geothermal systems from 13 -17 April 2019. This training was held under the auspices of IPCU-AGCE.
The main objective of the training was to strengthen and enhance the capacities and skills of
young Eritreans in geothermal science and technology. The trainees were selected from the
Geological Survey of Eritrea, Ministry of Environment and various Mining companies. The
trainees are expected to use the acquired knowledge and skill during this training in
implementation of various geothermal projects including the surface exploration and development
of conceptual model of the Alid geothermal prospect. It is expected the second phase of surface
exploration studies of Alid geothermal prospect area to be conducted in October-November 2019.
A total of about Twenty (23) trainees attended the training. These trainees were from the Geological Survey of Eritrea, Ministry of Environment and various Mining companies. List of participants of this training is attached in Annex 1.
Participants of the training
Objectives of the Training 2.1
Participants. 2.2
3. Opening Session The opening session of the training took place at the National Confederation Center of Eritrean Workers Convention Center on 8 April 2019. 2018. Representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Iceland International development Agency (MFA-ICEIDA), Iceland Geo-survey (ISOR), Geothermal development Company, UN Environment, International geothermal Association- Africa Regional Branch and trainees from various institutions of Eritrea attended this important event.
Representatives from Ministry of Mines and Energy, MFA-ICEIDA, ISOR, GDC, UN Environment, IGA-ARB as well as trainees from various organizations of Eritrea attending the opening ceremony, 28 April 2019
Mr. Alem Kibreab, From the Ministry of Mines and Energy officially opened this training. Mr. Alem indicated, in his opening remarks that Geothermal is one of the best alternative renewable energy solutions for Eritrea the could contribute to increase energy access and also energizing agriculture and industries as well. In this regard, the current training workshop being held in Asmara, Eritrea will play a critical role in providing geothermal solutions in the country in sustainable manner. He also reaffirmed the importance of establishing the Africa Geothermal center of Excellence in the
region where it will contribute to create a critical mass of geothermal experts that cuts across all disciplines including from drilling expertise to direct use. Mr. Engilbert Gudmundsson, technical advisor to MFA-ICEIDA speaking at the opening ceremony, affirmed this training course is an important agenda for the ICEIDA. He reflected the need for the trainees to benefit from the knowledge that the instructors from ISOR, UN Environment, GDC and IGA-ARB experts have accumulated. He also expressed his happiness that the Ministry of Mines and Energy is backing this training. Meseret Zemedkun of UN Environment, in her remarks, congratulated and thanked the Government of Eritrea as a whole and specifically Ministry of Mines and Energy for hosting and facilitating such an important training workshop and providing opportunities to such young Eritreans to learn best and vast experiences and knowledge in geothermal science and technology. In her remarks, she also indicated how the Africa owned and Led Geothermal Center of Excellence can be a platform to create an innovative environmental solutions to develop the capacity and skill of African youths and women towards the objective of achieving the global and continental development agendas of SDG 2030 and AU Agenda 2063-the Africa we want. She also indicated the urgent need to build our young people's capacity for development of Africa's geothermal resource. She also urged the trainees to take full advantage of the trainings and learn as much as possible during this training period. Further, Mr. Gylfi Pall Hersir from ISOR and Meseret Teklemaraim Zemedkun from UN-Environment delivered presentation on the best practices and experiences of: (i) the United nations University – Geothermal Training Programme, Reykjavik, Iceland and (ii) the Africa Geothermal center of Excellence: from perspective to Implementation, Nairobi, Kenya respectively.
4. The Training programme.
The training programme was designed to cover both theoretical and hands on practical aspects that included a visit to the Low to medium temperature Mai Wuye geothermal prospect area. The programme that took place in about ten days was mainly composed of classroom lectures (70%) and field excursions and demos (30%).
(A) Theoretical aspects provided in class rooms
4.1.1. Introduction to Geothermal Systems in Global perspective: Occurrence of various types of geothermal resources with emphasis on East African Rift System:The training course commenced by a basic introduction of geothermal systems in global perspective followed by a special emphasis on the types and occurrences of various geothermal systems in the Great
Highlights of the training 4.1
East African Rift System. This course highlighted the plate tectonics and the contribution of geodynamic and geologic environment to the occurrence of various types of geothermal systems in the world. Emphasis was given to the Great East Africa System as one of the unique continental structure of the Earth where it hosts the East Africa Rift valley that extends about 6500 km from the dead sea in the north to Mozambique in the south. The various features of geothermal systems as “Caldera and volcano hosted geothermal system” hosted by the Eastern branch of the EARS and “Fault structured Geothermal Systems with significant tectonic activities” hosted by the western branch of the EARS were discussed in detail. Trainees were well acquainted with basic terms used in classifying geothermal systems, their main characteristics and occurrence and finally an overview of the geophysical exploration methods.
Trainees attending the Class
4.1.2. Application of Geoscientific studies to geothermal resource exploration: The above topic was followed by lectures on the application of various geoscientific studies to geothermal resource exploration. These include: (i) geology (ii) geochemistry, and (iii) geophysics that culminated into the development of a geothermal conceptual model. In this course, an overview of geothermal exploration methodology and approach was introduced throughout the whole geothermal exploration value chain.
i. Application of Geology in Geothermal Resource Exploration: Trainees were introduced to the types and classification of rocks (Igneous/Sedimentary/Metamorphic) with emphasis on Igneous petrology/Volcanology, Geology and Structural setting of the Eastern and Western Branches of the EARS (Tectonics, Volcanology and Geothermal Activity) including basic hydrogeology. Trainees were able to understand the application of geology in geothermal exploration. Trainees were also introduced to application of
various geothermal resource exploration tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Remote sensing.
ii. Application of Geochemistry in Geothermal Exploration and Development: Trainees were introduced to principles and application of geochemistry in geothermal resource exploration; Use of Water, gas, and isotope geothermometry (Data integration, processing and interpretation). Various case studies such exploration of geothermal resources of Iceland and Ethiopian and Kenyan geothermal fields were used for explanation. Trainees got a bet understanding of basic principles and application of geochemistry in geothermal resource exploration.
iii. Application of Geophysics in Geothermal exploration and development: The lecture covered overview of geophysical methods used in geothermal exploration. These include: Geothermal mapping using ground temperature measurements; Temperature gradient holes (TGH); Resistivity methods: (a) TEM; (b) Magneto telluric; (c) IP; Gravity and Magnetic methods for geothermal resource exploration; Seismic refraction and monitoring; Data integration, processing and interpretation: Gravity, Magnetics and seismic and TEM and MT Data. Trainees acquired an understanding on the application of an integrated geophysical exploration methods to identify geothermal reservoir.
4.1.3. Development of schematic conceptual Model through data integration, processing and interpretation: This topic demonstrated how the results of various exploration tools can be integrated, processed and guide to develop a schematic conceptual model and target sites for deep drilling. The results used included: Geological model of a geothermal system: (1) Volcano hosted systems, (2) fracture-controlled Systems: Geochemical model of a geothermal system survey of a geothermal system: Geophysical model of a geothermal system. Trainees were able to have a clear understanding how to develop a schematic conceptual model of a geothermal system.
Trainees attending the training courses
B) Practical aspects in the field work
Field work: Trainees were exposed to various kinds of field work in order to learn application and use of various geological, geochemical and geophysical tools and equipment’s to identify geothermal resources/reservoir. Various sampling techniques such as rocks, alteration minerals, water and gas were also demonstrated on site. The purpose of the field work was to introduce the trainees to the practical aspects of their work and to put into practice what was learnt in the class room environment. The field trip was organized to Mae Wuye geothermal prospect, Eritrea from 15-17 April 2019. Objectives: Mae Wuye is a low temperature geothermal area in the rift valley of Eritrea and is marked by the presence of hot-springs. Preliminary investigations revealed that the geothermal system in the area is controlled by fault and fracture systems. The training was therefore geared to understanding how to undertake exploration of a fracture controlled low to medium temperature geothermal system in a rift setting. Organization: The field study was conducted by three regional trainers (two from Kenya and one from Eritrea) and two from Iceland. The trainees were about 25 from Geological Survey of Eritrea and Environment Agency. The areas covered include MT/TEM, MEQ, soil CO2 flux measurements and structural mapping. For implementation of the training, four expert teams of about 6 trainees each were created. Each group had about 3 hours for their study and were expected to prepare a short joint report about the field mapping. Results of field work
a) Structural mapping was undertaken to map all structural features in the hot springs area to determine the controlling structures that aid in the localization of the hot springs
b) 1 MTU was used for the training. Training on field equipment setup, data collection, and retrieval were accomplished.
c) One MEQ equipment was used for the demonstration. Training covered complete field setup, data collection, data storage and retrieval.
d) Geochemical mapping technique used in the measurement of CO2 flux from the soil. Data as part of training was undertaken along profiles perpendicular to the dominant structural trend.
Conclusion
The field training on mapping of low temperature, fracture controlled geothermal system was successful and trainees can be able to undertake field equipment setup and data collection with limited technical assistance. However, the trainees will need to be trained on data processing, modeling and interpretation. It is planned to include some of the trainees in the upcoming field work of the Alid geothermal prospect.
5. Graduation Ceremony
The graduation ceremony of this training course was held at the National Confederation Center of Eritrean Workers Convention Center on 13 April 2019. This graduation ceremony was graced by representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, United Nations University-Geothermal Training Programme (UNU-GTP), UN Environment, GDC, ISOR and IGA-ARB.
Trainees during field work
This ceremony was moderated by Mr. Ermias Yohannes, Director General. Geological Survey of Eritrea Mr. Yonhannes indicated in his speech that “It is a great day today as this is the first training being held in Eritrea under the auspices of IPCU – AGCE’. It was a long journey and milestone on the establishment of AGCE from a decision that was made in 2015” said Mr. Yohannes. Representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, ISOR, UN Environment. IGA-ARB and GDC awarded the certificates to all the trainees . The certificate was accredited by the United Nations University- Geothermal Training Programme based in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Award of Certificate and Graduation of the trainees 5.1
Trainees receiving their certificates
Trainees of the training showcasing their certificates
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS UN Environment wishes to extend its appreciation to the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Eritrea and Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Iceland International Development Agency for joining forces to organize this successful training. The Government of Eritrea through the Ministry hosted and co-organized this training in Asmara, Eritrea. UN Environment also appreciates the United Nations University-Geothermal Training Programme (UNU-GTP) for its continuous support, technical guidance and honoring as well as accrediting the training. UN Environment also appreciates representatives from Iceland-Geosurvey, IGA-African Regional Branch and Geothermal Development Company for their significant contribution in teaching and instructing as well as sharing their best and vast experiences and knowledge in geothermal science and technology. Indeed, the active participation of all the young trainees from Eritrea is also highly appreciated. This noble initiative and framework of an Africa owned and led Geothermal Center of Excellence is one of the innovative environmental solutions to build the capacity and skill of African youths and women towards the objective of achieving the global and continental development agendas of SDG 2030 and AU Agenda 2063-the Africa we want.
