TITLE:
Shallow Geothermal Energy Resources for Future Utilization in Jordan
AUTHORS:
Sanaa Al-Zyoud
KEYWORDS:
Geothermal Field, Geothermal Gradients, Tectonic Activities, Heat Source, Jordan
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Geology,
Vol.9 No.11,
October
12,
2019
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.