Discuss the role of Owen Falls Dam in Uganda's electricity supply and explain the physical factors favouring hydroelectric power in Uganda and geothermal potential in Kenya.

Here are the answers based on the provided image:

Hydro-electric power (HEP) stations in Uganda:
The major power source and HEP project in Uganda is the Owen Falls Dam. The River Nile flows out of Lake Victoria at this site, providing a natural waterfall for power generation. It produces 162MW, supplying most of Uganda's electricity and exporting about 30MW to Kenya.

Physical factors that have favored high hydro-electric power production in Uganda:

• Large volume of water from River Nile/Lake Victoria to drive the turbines.
• The Owen Falls/natural waterfall for power generation.
• High rainfall throughout the year to ensure a high volume of water.
• Presence of deep valleys/gorges which reduced the cost of dam construction.
• Presence of impervious/non-porous rocks that prevent seepage of water underground.
• Regular supply of water from River Nile/Lake Victoria, enabling continuous production of electricity.
• Presence of hard basement rocks for a firm foundation.

Places in Kenya where geothermal energy has potential of being harnessed:

• Mt. Longonot/Suswa
• Lake Bogoria
• Eburru
• Menengai Crater
• Lake Turkana
• Lake Magadi
• Lake Baringo
• Olkaria
• Homa hills
• Mai Mahin

Reasons why geothermal power has not been fully exploited in Kenya:

• Inadequate capital required for exploitation.
• There is a shortage of skilled personnel, as the country relies on expatriates.
• The country faces a low level of technology, which hinders exploitation of the energy.
• Most of the potential sites are found in remote/inaccessible areas, making exploitation difficult and expensive.
• Danger of land subsidence as tectonic fluids are withdrawn.

Ways in which Kenya has benefited from the development of geothermal power:

• It has provided an alternative source of energy.
• It has increased Kenya's energy output.
• It has helped stabilize the cost of electricity for consumers.
• It has helped in opening up formerly remote areas.
• It has increased employment opportunities.
• It has led to the reduction of importation of hydro-electric power from Uganda, saving foreign exchange.

Factors favouring development of HEP projects in Africa:

i) Presence of hard basement rocks to provide a firm foundation for dam construction.

ii) Presence of steep rivers/waterfalls/rapids to provide a massive hydraulic force head for power generation.