Search

Geothermal energy potential is identified through the deep investigation of geological, geothermal, and geophysical information over a small area; however, this task is both expensive and complex. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can integrate different types of data (or thematic layers) over large regions and use them to identify zones of high geothermal potential. In this study, we use GIS as a tool to construct the first regional-scale geothermal potential map of Africa from different datasets. The key objective of this study is to estimate the geothermally promising areas within Africa by integrating geological thematic layers (rock units and faults), geophysical layers (heat flow derived from aeromagnetic data and seismicity), and geothermal layers (hot springs and volcanoes) within the GIS database. A weighted overlay technique within the GIS environment is applied to these data to generate the geothermal potential map. The result shows 14 regions with a high geothermal favorability index. The geothermal potential map of Africa is useful for targeting and exploring new geothermal renewable energy sites and can reduce exploration costs and pinpoint investigation areas during preliminary geothermal studies. Highlights: The first geothermal potential map of Africa was constructed using GIS. A weighted overlay method was used to integrate various geo-datasets. The geothermal favorability map of Africa detected 14 high-potential zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Located potential geothermal energy sources using borehole temperature values. • Created a mathematical function for 3D geological surface profiling using Leapfrog. • Numerically simulated the system in the Hurghada-Elgouna geothermal field in Egypt. • Studied 75 and 37.5 MWe power production for 25 and 50 year lifespans, respectively. Egypt's current power generation capacity relies primarily on oil and natural gas. The Egyptian government's strategic objective of alternative energy source development is under severe strain due to the country's growing energy needs. Successive Egyptian governments have prioritized increasing renewable energy production as part of the country's overall energy output, with geothermal energy included as one of the new sources in Egypt's renewable energy program. Previous studies have highlighted the suitability of areas around the Red Sea and the Gulf of Suez for geothermal energy exploration; among these, the Hurghada and El Gouna area, located south of the Gulf of Suez at the Sinai Peninsula's triple junction with Africa and Arabia, is considered the most promising geothermal resource region. This study's main objective is to develop conceptual and numerical models of the Hurghada–El Gouna geothermal area based on temperature data obtained from deep onshore and offshore oil and gas wells, in addition to existing geological and structural information. Our numerical simulations reveal the presence of geothermal resources in the area, which are attributed to high, fault-controlled heat flow and deep subsurface water circulation. The rate of motion of water increases as it moves vertically through the fractures. After analyzing the simulation results, we assessed the feasibility of geothermal energy generation. Our findings indicate that the studied region has the potential to produce approximately 75 MW of electricity over a 25-year lifespan and 37.5 MW over a 50-year lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defractal method was applied to the observed magnetic data and was used to estimate Curie point depth (CPD) i.e., depth to the base of magnetic sources (DBMS), near-surface geothermal gradient (GG), surface heat production and bulk crust thermal conductivity of Africa. A range of window sizes was tested using different values of the fractal parameter (α). The calculated DBMS ranges from 19 km to 112 km in Africa, and the GG varies from 15.9 °C/km to 30 °C/km (averaging 25 °C/km). Surface heat production values vary between 0.2 μW/m2 to 5.6 μW/m2, averaging 2.5 μW/m2. The calculated bulk crust thermal conductivity ranges from 1.4 W/mK to 3.4 W/mK with an average of 2.6 W/mK. In general, shallow DBMS, high GG, and high surface heat production coincide with known geothermal, volcanic, and seismic regions in Africa. Shallow DBMS, high GG, and high surface heat production were encountered in southeastern Africa, northeastern Africa (Egypt and Red Sea), and northern Africa (Hoggar region). High bulk crust thermal conductivity values are encountered in northern Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Libya), southeastern Africa and the East African Rift (EAR) regions. • The defractal method was applied to magnetic data from Africa to derive parameters useful for understanding thermal variations in the continent. • The base of magnetization varies from 17.7 km to 112 km. • Near-surface geothermal gradient ranges from 15.9 °C/km to 36.1 °C/km. • Surface heat production varies from 0.2 μW/m2 to 5.6 μW/m2. • The Bulk crust thermal conductivity ranges from 1.4 W/mK to 3.4 W/mK. • The mantle heat flow values ranges from 24 to 71 mW/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]