Geothermal Prospects in the Djibouti Republic

Abstract

Four major areas with geothermal prospects have been found in the Djibouti Republic. One of the areas is the Assalan active rift associated with present- day volcanism; the rift constitutes the westward extension of the Gulf of Tadjoura Rift. The other major areas are associated depressions bounded by active faults parallel to the Assal Rift. The first exploratory well drilled in the Assal Rift was a discovery well (heal - 1 ) which produced hot brine. It is likely that other brine systems also occur in the Assal Rift. Deep exploration drilling will commence soon in another geothermal area, the Hanle area, to find out whether hot water brine) systems exist which might be more suitable for electric power generation.