The project, which aims at identifying the sites suitable for small-scale geothermal development serving the needs of local communities, initially written by Jacques Varet was accepted within the framework of the Power Africa program launched by President Obama.
Meridiam SAS signed a geothermal assistance agreement with SARL Géo2D in order for Géo2D to provide its expertise and assistance during the successive phases of the implementation and development of the geothermal project that Meridiam is engaging on the site of Tulu Moye (Ethiopia).
Whereas Meridiam projects to develop the Tulu Moje geothermal site (Oromia Regional State, Federal republic of Ethiopia) by installing a total of 500 MWe within 8 years (i.e. by 2025), this agreement covers the first four years of the project: from initial surface studies to the first electrical production of 50 MWe, meaning the prefeasibility, feasibility and first development phases. It is projected that these 3 phases will be undertaken between 2018 and 2022.
Meridiam: Is a global investor and asset manager specializing in public and community infrastructure with a long-term view. Founded in 2005 by current CEO Thierry Déau, the company is an independent player committed to aligning the interests of all stakeholders. Meridiam develops projects in OECD countries by working closely with public authorities at every stage of their projects, from design through long-term management (25 years). Meridiam promotes a hands-on approach with a strong focus on technical, environmental and social aspects as well as an active engagement with project stakeholders. Its business model is built exclusively on the equity financing of projects sponsored by public authorities for the benefit of the community. Meridiam develops, finances, builds and manages various types of projects in transport infrastructure (high-speed rail lines, roads and highways, tunnels and airports), social infrastructure (schools, universities, healthcare centres, hospitals, public research facilities), public buildings (courthouses, government offices, ministries) and utility networks and services (water, waste management).
Géo2D: Founded in 2013 by current CEO Jacques Varet, has advanced expertise based on forty (40) years of experience in the field of geothermal energy development in France and at international level, and fifty (50) years of Research & Development (R&D) on the geology of the volcanic and tectonic active areas of the East African Rift Valley, including the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) and Afar. Its aims at developing geological resources for sustainable development. Géo2D is assisting geothermal developers in Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Tanzania, Rwanda and in Europe. Géo2D has the capacity to mobilise all the specialized expertise needed, based on long lasting relations with other international senior experts specialized in complementary fields (as hydrogeochemistry, geophysics, drillings, tests and reservoir assessment, or social and environmental approaches). Having the experience of teaching professionals and developing research projects in France and at Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia) and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (Kenya) for several years, Géo2D is also particularly well placed to identify skilled staff from the Eastern Africa region to help staffing the Tulu Moye Geothermal Operation PLC being created in Ethiopia to undertake this project.
References:
www.meridiam.com
https://afrique.latribune.fr/finances/investissement/2017-12-20/l-ethiopie-leve-4-milliards-de-dollars-pour-2-centrales-geothermiques-762437.html
www.geo2d.com
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-60865-5