Why Geothermal

Sustainable Solutions for Africa's Growing Energy Needs

East African Rift System

Unlocking the Geothermal Potential of East Africa

Geothermal Potential in East Africa: Growing populations, rapid industrialization, and a need to diversify power generation makes geothermal the needed and wanted addition to the regional energy mix. Countries push for power self-sufficiency both for economic and geopolitical reasons.

East African Rift: The East African Rift System is one of the few places in the world where active continental rifting is occurring onshore. Rifting is a process that tears the cool continental crust apart bringing high temperatures from deep in the earth to near the surface.

Countries of Interest

Map showcasing the East African Rift system

500 Million

East Africa Population

<50%

Access to Electricity

<5%

Average GDP Growth

Last 10 Years

4th Resource geothermal projects lead in sustainable energy, providing clean, reliable power while fostering social, economic, and environmental progress in the communities we serve. Our commitment to sustainability supports global development goals for a greener, more equitable future.

Our Commitment

Driving Sustainable Development Through Geothermal Energy

What is Baseload Power?

Baseload power refers to the minimum level of constant energy demand required to meet the needs of a power grid over a 24-hour period. This type of power supply must be reliable, consistent, and capable of operating continuously to provide a stable foundation for a region's electricity needs.

Why Geothermal is ideal for Baseload Power

Continuous and Reliable Supply: Unlike intermittent renewable sources such as solar or wind, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal energy provides a steady and uninterrupted flow of power 24/7, making it ideal for meeting baseload demand.

High Capacity Factor: Geothermal plants typically have a high capacity factor, meaning they operate at or near full capacity almost all the time. This contrasts with other renewable sources, which may only produce power when conditions are favorable.

Ecology and environmental sustainability icon

Minimal Environmental Impact: While geothermal provides consistent power, it also maintains a small surface footprint and low/no emissions, combining the reliability of traditional baseload sources (like coal or nuclear) with the environmental benefits of renewables.

Flexibility and Scalability: Geothermal plants can be scaled to meet local demand and integrated with other energy sources, providing flexibility in a diversified energy portfolio.

See How Geothermal Works

Power lines under a blue sky with sunlight

DJIBOUTI

KENYA

ETHIOPIA

East African Rift

Active Continental Rifting: One of the few places onshore where active continental rifting is occurring, bringing high temperatures close to the surface.
Geothermal Resource Fairway: A vast geothermal resource fairway, stretching thousands of kilometers with immense potential.
Current and Potential Capacity: Kenya: 989 MWe, providing ~50% of electricity; other EARS countries with untapped potential.

Kenya Geothermal

989MWe

~50% of Kenya's Electricity Supply

Geothermal power generation in all other East African Countries

7MWe

Negligble

energy supply

Estimated Rift Geothermal Resource Potential

10's GWe

Rapidly growing

demand market

Outline map of Kenya showing geographical boundaries

Proven Geothermal

989MWe

2024 Installed Capacity

nearly

50%

Electrical Geothermal power generation

Outline map of Djibouti highlighting its location in East Africa

Imported Ethiopian hydro

100MWE

up to

Intermittent wind

60MW

Imported HFO & diesel

126MW

Power Supply

Outline map of Ethiopia indicating its position in the East African Rift

2030

2020

51%

100%

Access to Electricity

+28%

2020

117mil

2030

150mil

Population

The Urgent Need for
Clean Energy in Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s energy consumption is predominantly dependent on biomass sources, accounting for 90% of the total energy demand. This includes traditional sources like fuel wood, charcoal, and agricultural residues, as well as large-scale biomass power plants producing some 62 MW of electricity.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

1. Loss of Life

Air pollution was responsible for 1.1 million deaths across the region in 2019, with household air pollution, driven largely by indoor cookstoves, accounting for 700,000 fatalities, while increased outdoor air pollution claimed 400,000 lives.

2. Financial Strain on Families

Families living in poverty will lose their little incomes, addressing preventable diseases.

3. Strain on National Healthcare

National healthcare budgets will remain inadequate for the many sick people who could have stayed out of hospital if they did not cook with biomass.

4. Environmental Destruction

Forests continue to be under pressure. The cost of a tree used for firewood is not just fuel cost - it is a loss of biodiversity, a destruction of a carbon sink, loss of soil and hence a loss of food production assets.

Wind turbines and green landscape representing renewable energy, symbolizing affordability and clean energy solutions.

Affordable Clean Energy

Geothermal energy is the most cost effective and reliable form of renewable energy. Our expertise and technology efficiencies will drive down the cost of energy which benefits all.

Women installing Light through geothermal energy power

Innovation and Infrastructure

4th Resource’s geothermal energy projects will build energy infrastructure as well as provide a catalyst for industrial parks and other infrastructure growth.

Climate Action

Clean, sustainable geothermal energy to surrounding communities. Modular pad design reduces footprint and impact on land.

GO TO THE RESOURCE

Aerial view of green forest canopy and natural landscape

Join Us in the Geothermal Revolution

Let's Drive Sustainable Change Together

Be a part of the movement toward sustainable energy and economic growth. Discover the latest updates, insights, and opportunities with 4th Resource. Whether you're a shareholder, potential investor, or interested partner, explore our news page to stay connected or reach out to us directly to learn more.

Learn More About Our Impact

Driving Social Impact Through Geothermal Energy

Our geothermal projects are catalysts for social equity and economic resilience, supporting initiatives that uplift communities and drive development.

No Poverty: Creating jobs and fostering local economic resilience.

Zero Hunger: Supporting food security with sustainable agricultural practices.

Gender Equality: Ensuring equal opportunities and training for women in the workforce.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR

THE GOALS

4th Resource’s geothermal projects create safe work environments and drive local economic growth while providing reliable energy to the grid.

DECENT WORK AND

ECONOMIC GROWTH

4th Resource’s geothermal projects ensure safe work environments, foster local economic growth, and provide reliable energy to the grid.

African woman working outdoors in an agricultural field

Sunset over open fields with an Elephant in focus

LIFE ON LAND

Modular pad design minimizes land impact, preserving wildlife, human corridors, and parks. Geothermal offers the smallest land footprint among all renewable energy sources.

WE SUPPORT THE UN SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SUSTAINABLE CITIES

AND COMMUNITIES

Geothermal energy is a reliable, sustainable resource. 4th Resource’s project will deliver low-cost, eco-friendly energy to Dire Dawa and surrounding communities.

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND

PRODUCTION

4th Resource follows best environmental practices, ensuring all wastewater and drilling materials are properly treated and disposed of.

frican women laughing while fetching water in a rural area