Technical Preparations for the Assal–Fialé Geothermal Project

Technical Preparations for the Assal–Fialé Geothermal Project RSDC Provides an Update on the Progress of Technical Preparations for the Assal–Fialé Geothermal Drilling Project Red Sea Drilling Company (RSDC) informs its institutional and technical partners, as well as all stakeholders, that a series of working meetings was held in Djibouti from 18 to 21 May 2025 with the mission of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in the presence of the Djiboutian Office for the Development of Geothermal Energy (ODDEG).These meetings focused on the operational aspects related to the commencement of drilling a test well in the Assal–Fialé geothermal area. Following these discussions, RSDC confirms the following progress: Technical coordination with KenGen:Active discussions are underway with the technical partner KenGen to validate the drilling equipment specifications as well as the drilling mud management program. Final technical documents will be shared with the JICA mission upon approval. Civil engineering works:Preparatory activities related to civil infrastructure will be implemented in close coordination with WestJEC, acting as JICA’s technical consulting firm for the project. RSDC reaffirms its commitment to executing this mission in strict compliance with international standards for quality, safety, and environmental protection. This project represents a decisive milestone in the development of Djibouti’s geothermal potential, and RSDC is proud to contribute to it alongside its partners.

RSDC S.A.S Works to Improve Access to Drinking Water in Rural Areas as Part of the IWRM Program

RSDC S.A.S Works to Improve Access to Drinking Water in Rural Areas as Part of the IWRM Program As part of the Integrated Water Resources Management Project (PGIRE), supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Red Sea Drilling Company (RSDC) S.A.S was commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Water Resources to carry out the geophysical studies required for the development of new drinking water boreholes at four strategic sites: Adguenou, Mounkour, Assaguela, and Medeho. This ambitious program aims to sustainably secure access to safe and reliable water for rural communities in these localities, which are regularly exposed to significant water stress. Aware of the urgency imposed by the persistent drought affecting several regions of the country, RSDC promptly mobilized—immediately after the contract was signed—a multidisciplinary team composed of PhD holders, geophysical engineers, and hydrogeologists. Field operations began on 13 June 2025. Thanks to optimized organization and the use of advanced technologies, geophysical data collection across the four sites was successfully completed in just eight days. At the same time, technical teams based at the company’s headquarters in Djibouti finalized the consolidation of the initial results and prepared the preliminary reports, demonstrating RSDC’s responsiveness and professionalism. The project has now entered its final phase, dedicated to the preparation of the Preliminary Design Report (APS) and the Detailed Design Report (APD)—key milestones required to proceed with the works and to ensure the supply of drinking water to the concerned areas.

RSDC Strengthens Its Support to Authorities in Response to Drought in Dikhil

RSDC Strengthens Its Support to Authorities in Response to Drought in Dikhil In the context of an exceptional drought severely affecting several regions of the country—particularly the Dikhil region—Red Sea Drilling Company (RSDC) reaffirms its solidarity and commitment alongside the populations impacted by this environmental and humanitarian crisis. In response to the urgent appeal issued by the Government, under the authority of the Prime Minister’s Office, RSDC immediately mobilized its human and logistical resources to actively contribute to the nationwide relief operations. Aware of the need for a sustainable response to this crisis, RSDC is committed to supporting public authorities in initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of rural communities to climate-related hazards. As part of the Assal–Fialé geothermal project, the Djiboutian Office for the Development of Geothermal Energy (ODDEG) made available to RSDC a 30-cubic-meter water tanker, which was dispatched to the Dikhil region to ensure the distribution of potable water to the most vulnerable households. This operation, carried out in close coordination with local authorities and rural water services, provides a targeted and effective response to the urgent needs of affected populations. Despite limited resources, RSDC is proud—thanks to the synergy with its partners—to contribute concretely and immediately to alleviating the hardship faced by affected citizens. To ensure coordination and effective follow-up, the Director General of RSDC traveled to Dikhil for a working meeting with the Regional Prefect and local military command. This visit made it possible to assess ongoing humanitarian actions, observe water distribution conditions on the ground, and identify additional logistical and operational needs. Red Sea Drilling Company remains fully mobilized to place its expertise and infrastructure at the service of the public interest, thereby contributing responsibly to the sustainable development of Djibouti.

Visit of the German Development Bank (KfW) Delegation to the Geothermal Sites of Fialé, Goubet, and Lake Assal

Visit of the German Development Bank (KfW) Delegation to the Geothermal Sites of Fialé, Goubet, and Lake Assal The Djiboutian Office for the Development of Geothermal Energy (ODDEG), in collaboration with the German Development Bank (KfW), organized a field visit on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, to the geothermal sites of Fialé, Goubet, and Lake Assal. The German delegation, led by H.E. Dr. Heike Fuller, Ambassador of Germany to Djibouti, was welcomed by Dr. Kayad Moussa Ahmed, Director General of ODDEG. The delegation included Ms. Julia Hannig, Head of the East Africa Division at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); Ms. Lisa Korte, Senior Officer at BMZ; Ms. Birgit Erbel, Country Director of KfW for IGAD and the Horn of Africa; Ms. Ruth Bigalke-Nolan, Deputy Country Director of GIZ for Djibouti and Ethiopia; Ms. Christel Zgaga, Senior Officer at GIZ for IGAD and South Sudan; as well as Mr. Johannes Stollenwerk, Senior Associate at Rödl & Partner and Local Manager of the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF). The visit began at the Fialé site, identified for a future drilling study in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), continued to Goubet for the inspection of the water supply pipeline, and concluded at the emblematic Lake Assal site. Under the leadership of Dr. Kayad Moussa Ahmed, the mission aimed to present the geothermal potential of the Lake Assal region and to review the progress of ongoing studies and projects being implemented by ODDEG in partnership with Red Sea Drilling Company (RSDC). On site, the delegation received detailed briefings on the various phases of exploration conducted over recent years. Dr. Kayad Moussa Ahmed presented the progress achieved in the characterization of geothermal resources and the prospects for producing clean and sustainable electricity, in line with Djibouti’s national strategy for energy independence. This visit highlights the strong cooperation between Djibouti and Germany, built on a shared commitment to a sustainable, green, and sovereign energy transition. ODDEG reaffirms its determination to continue developing the country’s geothermal potential and to strengthen its technical and financial partnerships, with the objective of making geothermal energy a key pillar of Djibouti’s energy security and sustainable development.

ODDEG’s Participation in the Second APRA Investment Forum in Freetown, Sierra Leon

ODDEG’s Participation in the Second APRA Investment Forum in Freetown, Sierra Leon The Djiboutian Office for the Development of Geothermal Energy (ODDEG) participated in the Second Investment Forum of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Africa (APRA), held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from 20 to 23 October 2025. Organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, the event brought together African decision-makers, investors, and development partners committed to accelerating the continent’s energy transition. Represented by the Director of Red Sea Drilling Company, Mr. Ahmed-Nour Hassan Ahmed, ODDEG reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of Djibouti to the development of clean and sustainable energy, particularly through the valorization of its geothermal potential. The forum provided a valuable platform to showcase the progress of national projects, such as the Assal–Fialé geothermal project, while exploring new opportunities for financing, regional cooperation, and technology transfer. ODDEG also highlighted its efforts in strengthening local capacities and developing technical partnerships, emphasizing the importance of enhanced collaboration to achieve Africa’s energy and climate objectives. This participation illustrates Djibouti’s active role within APRA and reaffirms its ambition to become a major regional hub for geothermal and renewable energy in the Horn of Africa. Through this initiative, ODDEG continues to pursue its objective of promoting the development, exploitation, and sustainable management of national geothermal resources, with the aim of ensuring Djibouti’s energy independence and contributing to the country’s economic growth through clean, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy.