Read the passage below carefully:
Geothermal energy development in Kenya's Rift Valley has emerged as a cornerstone of East Africa's transition toward a low-carbon economy. By tapping into deep subterranean steam reservoirs at Olkaria, the nation has significantly reduced its reliance on costly imported fossil fuels and vulnerable hydroelectric power. The continuous, baseload reliability of geothermal plants ensures an uninterrupted supply of electricity to industrial hubs, stabilizing the national grid during severe droughts. Furthermore, revenue generated from geothermal operations directly funds local community infrastructure, including clean water distribution systems and primary healthcare facilities. Although the initial capital expenditure for deep-well drilling remains exceptionally high, requiring international development financing, the long-term operational costs are remarkably low compared to conventional power generation. Ultimately, geothermal expansion demonstrates that clean energy investments can simultaneously drive industrial growth and enhance national energy security.
Based on the passage above, match each statement to its correct structural role in distinguishing the author's essential argument from supporting or peripheral details.
- Geothermal expansion drives industrial growth and enhances national energy security.Core Thesis / Central Argument
- Continuous geothermal power provides reliable baseload electricity to stabilize the national grid.Essential Supporting Argument
- Revenue from operations funds local community clean water systems and healthcare facilities.Secondary / Peripheral Detail
- Deep-well drilling requires exceptionally high initial capital expenditure.Counter-Argument / Operational Constraint