Shallow Geothermal Energy Resources for Future Utilization in Jordan

Sanaa Al-Zyoud

doi:10.4236/ojg.2019.911090

Abstract

Geothermal energy is considered as one of the new-green-free renewable energy resources that Jordan is blessed with. Geothermal energy installation in Jordan will have a positive impact on the economy, it will reduce the national energy bill. Shallow geothermal systems are likely to be promising for future utilization in the country. Therefore, further evaluations of geothermal energy resources are highly recommended. Distributed efforts have been done to evaluate the potential of geothermal resources utilization in Jordan. A comprehensive geothermal resources assessment has not yet been conducted in the country. The present work evaluates the potential of four geothermal fields in Jordan. Geothermal gradient map shows that Jordan has two high geothermal gradient fields with higher than 4.5°C/100m and other two moderate geothermal gradient fields with a range of 3.5 - 4.5°C/100m. It has been found that the water temperature in some fields reaches about 68.5°C. Five possible heat source hypotheses were discussed. Geothermal potential in Jordan is expected to evolve as a result of NS trending Dead Sea Rift activities. With the presence of faults parallel with geothermal gradient anomalies in each evaluated field, this hypothesis becomes the most effective to explain the heat source. It is of utmost importance to consider the geothermal energy potential for future utilization in Jordan. An integrated geothermal potential map will be very helpful for energy policies and future strategies planning in the country.

Highlights

Jordan is blessed with different low enthalpy geothermal fields scattered all around the country
The four geothermal fields mentioned in this work exceed the average geothermal gradient in Jordan which is about 3.3 ̊C/100m
Geothermal gradient map shows that Jordan has four promising geothermal fields with a considerable potential for future utilization: 1) Dead Sea Fault Geothermal Field, 2) Ar Risha Geothermal Field, 3) Al Khalidiyya Geothermal Field and 4) SE Desert Geothermal Field

Summary

Introduction

As a key of modernization, the magnitude of energy consumption per capita is becoming very important economic consideration for any country, worldwide. Jordan has very modest conventional fuel resources, most of its energy requirements are met by the imported crude oil and oil products. Energy demands have been increased due to population growth parallel with refugees’ influx and modern industrialization. This will lead to increase in the per capita consumption. The attention to provide the country with green and renewable energy resources is highly needed. An important contribution of future renewable energy supply in Jordan could be provided by geothermal energy. S. Al-Zyoud mal resources in Jordan will be integrated in future energy policies in the country

Geothermal Energy Resources in Jordan

Geologic Settings

Heat Source

Suggested Applications

Findings

Conclusions