The meeting discussed ways in which ARGeo member countries can benefit from ARGeo's support services, to accelerate the development of their geothermal resources.
The Kenyan experience was used to aid discussions in strategic approaches to development of geothermal resources, responses of various geothermal programmes to develop geothermal energy, country support for resource mobilization and financing of geothermal projects.
2 September 2011: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) facilitated a meeting with member countries of the African Rift Geothermal Development Facility (ARGeo) to raise awareness of the opportunities associated with geothermal issues. Participants discussed ways in which ARGeo member countries can benefit ARGeo’s support services, to accelerate the development of their geothermal resources.
The High Level Geothermal meeting was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 1-2 September, and was organized by UNEP in collaboration with the Government of Kenya, the Geothermal Development Company, and the Kenya Electricity Generating Company. Kenya’s experience was presented as a success story, and the case study was used to aid discussions on: strategic approaches to development of geothermal resources; responses of various geothermal programmes to develop geothermal energy; country support for resource mobilization and financing of geothermal projects; best practices and lessons learned.
ARGeo aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by promoting the adoption of geothermal energy in the African Rift region. The meeting aimed to achieve a common understanding on the objectives and outcomes of the ARGeo project, and the development of a strategic framework for ARGeo projects in line with requirements of the other geothermal support programmes in the region. [UNEP Press Release]