FUTURE GEOTHERMAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE EAST AFRICAN RIFT VALLEY THROUGH LOCAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: LEARNING FROM THE MAORI'S EXPERIENCE

The current development approach focuses on large-scale plants to meet the needs of the interconnected electric network, but raises concerns about relations with local communities living around geothermal sites. These communities, including the Maasai, Pokot, and Afar, have adapted to the arid conditions and have traditionally used geothermal resources for various applications. The current approach treats social issues in terms of compensation, with local communities being consulted after project design and implementation decisions have been made. However, this approach is being revised to consider local communities as key actors in geothermal development, rather than just subjects of project impacts. This involves enhancing local communities' knowledge of geological resources and possible uses that could respond to their socio-economic needs. The case of the Maori in New Zealand is being studied as an example of community-based geothermal development. The Maori Trusts now own five major geothermal plants, some of which are used for direct applications such as wood drying and pulp production. The process of appropriation of geothermal energy by the Maori is of interest for the EARV region, as it shows how and why local communities can be involved in geothermal development. Humanity is entering a new era, where renewable energy sources are necessary due to the depletion of fossil fuels and the effects of climate change. Renewable energies, including geothermal, are technically and economically able to meet future needs, but differ from previous experience based on fossils in that production is as widespread as consumption. This allows for local developments based on diversified use of resources, but is not always considered by developers. The present approach to geothermal development falls into this category, where renewable energy projects are regarded in terms of traditional ones, producing MWe for the grid. However, promoting renewable energy does not necessarily translate to sustainable development, as it should rely on three pillars: economic, environmental, and social. Project development should involve the participation of all concerned parties, including stakeholders such as investors, governments, and societal groupings. The EARV region is expected to become one of the major geographic areas in the world where geothermal energy is widely used. Geothermal energy has several advantages, including the development of diversified direct uses and the ability to serve not only large units for the grid but also autonomous projects of integrated development. The direct involvement of indigenous people in geothermal development is not only an obligation required by international laws but also a condition for real sustainable development. The example of the Maori in New Zealand shows that local communities can be involved in geothermal development, and that this can lead to sustainable development. The Maori Trusts now own five major geothermal plants, some of which are used for direct applications. This process of appropriation of geothermal energy by the Maori is of interest for the EARV region, as it shows how and why local communities can be involved in geothermal development. The EARV region is characterized by low-lying areas with arid conditions, inhabited by pastoralist communities. These communities have adapted to the conditions and have traditionally used geothermal resources for various applications. The direct involvement of these indigenous people in geothermal development is not only an obligation required by international laws but also a condition for real sustainable development. The case of the Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant in New Zealand is an example of a community-based geothermal development project. The plant is owned by a Maori Trust and supplies process steam to a large pulp and paper mill. This project shows that local communities can be involved in geothermal development and that this can lead to sustainable development.