Title: Preliminary environmental impact assessment for the development of Katwe and Kibiro geothermal prospects, Uganda

Abstract

Geothermal investigations have been carried out in both Katwe and Kibiro geothermal prospects in
Uganda. Subsurface temperatures, geological structures and flow characteristics of the
surface and ground waters in the geothermal systems have been delineated using various analytical
methods. Conceptual geothermal models based on results of geochemical, geological, hydrological and
geophysical studies have been constructed and are currently being upgraded. The models will then be
used as a basis for siting deep geothermal exploration wells. It is, therefore, foreseen that the
pre-feasibility study is coming to an end in the two prospects. This will pave the way for a
feasibility study that will end with the installation of the first geothermal power plants in the
country.
The objective of the study was to analyse the current status of the environment in Katwe and Kibiro
geothermal prospects and to identify and predict the changes in the environment if the development
of geothermal resources is to take place in the two areas. There is a need to incorporate the
potential and likely impacts on the environment in the design of the feasibility study as early as
possible.

The preliminary environmental impact assessment for the development of Katwe and Kibiro geothermal
prospects was carried out in line with Uganda’s laws on the environment. The proposed
feasibility study was described and its potential environmental impacts of drilling and
operation on the environment affected identified. The likely environmental impacts and their
significance were analysed and mitigation measures proposed. The results indicate that the Katwe
prospect is subjected to more adverse environmental impacts than the Kibiro prospect and its
development has a potential for indirect and cumulative impacts as well as impact interactions. The
adverse environmental impacts of drilling were found to be temporary and mitigable to the level of
insignificance in both Katwe and Kibiro. Preliminary assessment of adverse impacts of operation on
the environment has resulted in identifying five critical areas that should be subjected to
detailed investigation. These are impacts on biodiversity; water quality and hydrology; air
quality; utilities; and public health and safety. Other impacts i.e. on geology; land use; visual
and aesthetic quality; population, housing and employment; transportation and traffic; public
services; energy; and cultural situation, are not considered to be of critical importance since
they have a high mitigation potential. They should, however, be taken further during the detailed
environmental impact assessment with specialist input where necessary.
In conclusion the environmental impacts of developing the two areas Katwe and Kibiro are
predictable and mitigable with appropriate technology and the cooperation of all stakeholders. It
is therefore recommended that these impacts be incorporated into the design plans of the
feasibility study for the two areas. A detailed environmental impact assessment is recommended as a
first step of the feasibility study to provide a better understanding of the potential impacts and
mitigation measures that will be continuously
upgraded during the study.