Introducing the Second Version (2020) of Geothermal Potential Map of Iran

Abstract

In case of geothermal prospects, Iran has a plenty of geothermal regions which are spread through the country. The first geothermal map of Iran has been generated by the former Renewable Energy Organization of Iran (SUNA) in 1998. Due to the some problems and also implementing of several projects about identification of geothermal resources in the country the second version of geothermal energy map of Iran has been created recently. The new map is much more accurate than its previous one. New map mainly has been generated based on the location of warm springs in the country. Based on the new map it is found that 152 geothermal prospects exist in Iran. Also, it is recognized that Kerman, Hormozgan, East Azarbaijan and West Azarbaijan provinces are the top 4 geothermal rich provinces in Iran. Study on the identified prospects revealed that except a few regions almost all of the Iranian geothermal resources are low to moderate temperature. Hence, they are useful for direct use projects or power generation by binary geothermal power plants.