EU signs contract with Reykjavik Geothermal on East African work
By Lake Kivu, Rwanda (source: flickr/ amalthya, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
25 Sep 2013
The EU has signed a new contract with Icelandic firm Reykjavik Geothermal on cooperation activities involving Icelandic Development Agency (ICEIDA) and the European Union in Rwanda for geothermal research at the borders to Burundi, Eastern Congo and Rwanda.
The European Union has agreed on the continuation of cooperation of the International Development Agency of Iceland and the European Union in Rwanda in the field of geothermal research borders Burundi, Congo and Rwanda with Icelandic firm Reykjavik Geothermal .
Under the agreement RG will undertake basic research in specific areas of the three countries and also take on the exploration drilling.
The role for the Development Agency within the partnership with the EU and EGL (energy authority for the three countries)) involves supporting the surveillance and monitoring of research. Experts of Icelandic exploration firm ÍSOR will represent ICEIDA their technical assistance and support for the parties involved.
“It is a pleasure that ICEIDA can continue to provide support for the implementation of this project. I also believe that this collaboration is a model for the effective coordination of donor funds for the utilization of geothermal energy, “says the Director of ICEIDA, Engilbert Gudmundsson.
“Geothermal is a new area for us where we have limited experience. For this reason, we are especially grateful for the contribution to the project through ICEIDA in the form of technical support, “said Marc Buchman Director of the EU Delegation in Rwanda.
Jon Orn Jonsson, project manager at Reykjavik Geothermal, said the project is very exciting and the goal is clearly defined. It will pay off well for the Icelandic economy. “The project is large by Icelandic standards or worth nearly half a billion ISK ($4 million) and a significant part of the funding will be spent in Iceland.” says Mr. Jonsson.
Source: MBL
