gEOthermalKenya: Earth Observation Insights for Sustainable Growth of the Kenyan Geothermal Sector Omanos Analytics, in partnership with Global Surface Intelligence (GSI), have been working to characterise and monitor land-use around current and prospective geothermal power facilities in Kenya in order to support the socially, environmentally and economically sustainable growth of the geothermal sector.   

The project has combined on-the-ground intelligence and narratives from affected communities with satellite data, the application of machine learning approaches, and the dissemination of bespoke interactive data products to key stakeholders.  

This has been facilitated by collaboration with the British Institute in East Africa’s PROCOL Kenya programme. Omanos worked closely with community experts to define parameters for field research; members of local Maasai communities then gathered land use data and conducted in-person interviews to understand how the geothermal sites have affected the lives of local communities. In the final stage of the project, a short feasibility pilot tested use of ground sensors to verify reports of water, soil, and noise pollution around the geothermal sites. 

Through this collaboration and the resulting analysis by Omanos and GSI, the project has characterised the changes over time at long running geothermal sites such as Olkaria. This has enabled preliminary forecasting of risk and impact at newer geothermal sites such as Menengai.   

Future work aims to maximise the integration of satellite EO data into environmental and social impact assessment for future geothermal developments. Kenya aims to become a newly-industrialising, middle-income economy with universal electricity access by 2030. It has also committed to strict environmental targets via the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. This requires sustained increase in energy production without increased CO2 from fossil fuels. The East African Rift System makes Kenya abundant in volcanic heat sources; geothermal offers a valuable renewable and low-carbon energy source. However, the rapid expansion of the sector brings significant risks and challenges to social and environmental and consequently economic sustainability. Community relocation, loss of livelihood, environmental issues associated with loss of natural habitat, and degradation of national park areas have been caused by current geothermal developments. This has resulted in lawsuits and withdrawal of significant international funding. This proposal presents a timely and innovative plan for the characterisation and monitoring of land-use around geothermal sites, to support social, environmental and economically sustainable growth of the Kenyan geothermal sector. Our approach involves the application of machine learning algorithms to satellite EO data, synthesis of on-the-ground intelligence from a diverse set of local stakeholders, and dissemination of outputs via bespoke, accessible data products. Discovery Phase work includes detailed stakeholder mapping, co-identification of user needs and co-creation of solutions. This will enable increased government capacity for compliance monitoring of geothermal sites, a transparent and EO data-driven community consultation process, and an improved monitoring framework reducing risk to developers and investors.