Geo-Exploration

The Geo-Exploration Directorate exists to coordinate and focus efforts of all the Sector stakeholders to ensuring geo-energy resources are optimally developed and exploited for energy sufficiency.

The Directorate is headed by Secretary, Geo-exploration. It comprises of two divisions namely Geothermal & Geotechnical and Solid Energy Resources each headed by a Chief Geologist. The Geothermal & Geotechnical Division has two units, Geothermal Resources and Geotechnical while the Solid Energy Resources Division has two units (Coal Resources and Nuclear Energy).

Exploitation and development of geo-energy resources is governed by the Energy Act, 2019 which empowers the Cabinet Secretary to undertake licensing and management of geo-energy resources.

The Directorate undertakes oversight, supervisory compliance and monitoring of geo-energy project implementation by Agencies under the Ministry and geo-energy Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

Geo-energy resources development ensures energy security in the country due to their resilience from climatic variations as has been the case in the developed and industrialized countries.

The Directorate of Geo-exploration is responsible for geo-energy policy, strategies and plans formulation and implementation, coordination and oversight of upstream exploration and development to ensure sustainable optimal development and exploitation.
The directorate is organized into two departments namely:
1)    Geothermal & Geotechnical
The Geothermal & Geotechnical Department facilitates and provides support for the development of geothermal energy resources. This is done through licensing, supervision and monitoring, resource mobilization, monitoring of all licensed developers.
2)    Solid Energy Resources
The Solid Energy Resources Department facilitates and provides support for the development of nuclear and coal energy. This is done through oversighting the Nuclear Power Programme and Coal Concession for power development.

On the overall, functions under the Directorate comprise of policies, oversight, strategies, plans, projects, programmes, resource mobilization, development partner coordination, licensing and regulation relating to exploration and/or development of geothermal, nuclear and coal for energy.

The function of the Directorate entails to: -
(i)    Formulate and review policies, legal and regulatory frameworks related to geo-energy;
(ii)   Develop plans, strategies, standards and guidelines for exploration, production and management of geo-energy resources;
(iii)  Oversee development of proposals and review of geo scientific work programs and financial expenditure plans for geo-energy resources exploration and development;
(iv)   Oversee exploration and research on geo-energy resources;
(v)    Coordinate management of upstream coal activities in ongoing projects as defined in the fourth schedule of the Energy Act, 2019;
(vi)   Review and oversee plans, programs, and projects undertaken by public and private sector entities in geothermal, coal and nuclear energy resources development;
(vii)    Promote and license geo-energy resources for exploration and development;
(viii)   Custody over geo-energy licenses and Benefit Sharing Agreements;
(ix)    Maintenance of register of licenses and Benefit Sharing Agreements;
(x)    Ensure compliance with regulations and work commitments of service contractors and licensees;
(xi)    Knowledge and information systems management for geo-energy resources;
(xii)   Coordinate mobilization of resources for geo-energy resources development;
(xiii)  Coordinate stakeholder engagement, education and sensitization on geo-energy resources development;
(xiv)   Oversee operations and activities of licensees in geo-energy resources development;
(xv)    Coordinate compensation and resettlement of the affected communities in the implementation of geo-energy resources development;
(xvi)   Evaluate and advise on the adoption of emerging technologies in the exploration, development and utilization of geo-energy resources; and
(xvii)   Receive and review progress reports on implementation of programmes and projects and provide feedback and guidance.