Geothermal Exploration Opportunities

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, as well as provide energy security and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The government has established a conducive environment for Independent Power Producers (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. Results of previous work carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) of Eritrea and the US Geological Survey (with the financial support of USAID) at the Alid Volcanic area strongly suggest the presence of a hot upper crustal magmatic or plutonic body beneath Alid Mountain. The MEM/USGS study determined that the overall temperature and permeability conditions of the area were favorable for the existence of an electrical grade geothermal resource. 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 and drilling between 1- 3 geothermal exploration wells and carrying out the related resource analysis and modeling at Alid; and (B) implementing a geothermal reconnaissance survey to outline potential geothermal resources in the Nabro-Dubbi region in the eastern lowlands of Eritrea (along the Red Sea) where geothermal manifestations (fumaroles) have been identified. The regional survey should include appropriate geological, geochemical, and geophysical surveys.