Geothermal Exploration Opportunities in Eritrea

Abstract

The Government of Eritrea is entirely dependent on imported oil for the production of its electricity. As a result, the production of geothermal electricity will decrease foreign exchange expenditures, provide energy security, and decrease GHG emissions.
The Government has established a conducive environment for IPPs and investors. It sees its role as bringing project opportunities to the point where private sector companies and investors will become involved, carry them through to completion and ensure long term operation and sustainability.

As a result of previous work carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Eritrea and the US Geological Survey (with the financial support of USAID) at the Alid Volcanic area. The Government of Eritrea wishes to pave the way for geothermal-based rural electrification through the installation of a pilot geothermal power plant at Alid and the identification of new prospects for additional geothermal plants in the future.
The Government feels the best way to do this is to pursue a two pronged program that builds on the earlier work at Alid and includes (A) siting, drilling between 1-3 geothermal exploration wells and carrying out the related resource analysis and modeling at Alid and (B) implementing a regional geothermal reconnaissance survey to outline potential geothermal resources throughout the eastern lowlands of Eritrea (along the Red Sea) where five geothermal manifestations (hot springs and fumaroles) have been identified. The regional survey should include appropriate geological, geochemical, and geophysical surveys.