Can you tell us about your academic background and the research gap your project addresses?
I am a final-year BSc Petroleum Engineering student at Kenyatta University with a strong interest in geothermal well construction, particularly cementing systems operating under high temperature and high pressure conditions.
My research is motivated by a gap identified in geothermal cementing practices in Kenya, where conventional cement systems are often susceptible to strength retrogression and long-term durability challenges under geothermal conditions. At the same time, geothermal drilling at Olkaria generates large volumes of volcanic cuttings that are largely treated as waste. This combination highlighted a clear opportunity to investigate whether locally available materials can be used to improve cement performance while addressing sustainability and cost concerns in geothermal well construction.
What is the primary objective of your final-year project?
My project investigates the feasibility of utilising Olkaria volcanic cuttings as supplementary cementitious materials in geothermal well cementing. The objective is to determine whether these materials can enhance cement performance under geothermal conditions while offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional additives.
What technical mechanisms are you evaluating in this study?
The study focuses on two technical mechanisms: pozzolanic reactivity and matrix densification. Pozzolanic reactivity refers to the ability of reactive silica in the volcanic cuttings to react with calcium hydroxide generated during cement hydration, forming additional cementitious compounds that contribute to long-term strength. Matrix densification evaluates how fine particles improve the packing of the cement matrix, reducing porosity and supporting improved thermal stability at elevated temperatures.
What role does Bentworth Energy play in your project?
Bentworth Energy plays a key role in ensuring the project is technically robust and aligned with real-world geothermal cementing operations. The company provides technical mentorship based on its experience in well cementing, helping guide the research focus towards performance parameters critical under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.
Additionally, Bentworth supports the project through input on cement slurry design, including appropriate replacement levels, material selection, and performance expectations for geothermal wells. The team also advises on testing methodologies and quality assurance and quality control practices used in industry, ensuring laboratory evaluations reflect how cement slurry systems are tested before field deployment.
If the project demonstrates positive results, what would be the next steps and potential impact on cementing operations in Kenya?
If the study demonstrates improved strength development, thermal stability, or reduced strength retrogression, the next step will involve expanded laboratory validation and potential pilot-scale field trials, including optimisation of particle sizing, replacement levels, and slurry formulations for varying geothermal conditions.
Positive outcomes could influence cementing practices in Kenya by introducing a locally sourced additive tailored for geothermal applications, reducing reliance on imported materials, lowering costs, and improving sustainability through the reuse of drilling byproducts. For service providers such as Bentworth Energy, the findings could support the development of customised geothermal cement systems, contributing to improved well integrity and more efficient, environmentally responsible cementing operations.