Current Status, Future Prospects, and the Need for Geothermal Energy Exploration in Cameroon: Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Cameroon is a country in Central Africa that relies heavily on hydropower, fossil fuels, solar, and biomass for its energy needs. However, the unstable and intermittent nature of these energy sources makes them unreliable, and there is a pressing need for a more secure and sustainable energy supply. Geothermal energy, which is abundant in Cameroon due to its favorable geological characteristics, has not been fully explored as a potential energy source. This study is aimed at providing a comprehensive review of the current status and future prospects of geothermal energy in Cameroon, based on publications related to geothermal energy in Cameroon, geological, and geophysical studies. The objectives of this study are to analyze the existing literature on geothermal energy in Cameroon, to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with geothermal energy development, and to make recommendations for future research and policy decisions. The results indicate that geothermal energy in Cameroon is still in its infancy, with limited research and development in the field. However, the country has geothermal potential, particularly in the Adamawa and Cameroon volcanic line (CVL) areas. The review highlights the challenges and barriers to geothermal energy development in Cameroon, including limited financial resources, technical expertise, and regulatory frameworks. The findings of this study suggest that Cameroon has significant potential for geothermal energy development, and that further exploration and investment in this area could contribute significantly to a more secure and sustainable energy supply in the country.