Geothermal Energy Country Update, Iran

Abstract

Abstract:
During the last years, there has been a renewed interest in renewable energy resources development in Iran, resulting in a significant change in the power generation matrix. This paper provides a summary of geothermal activities in Iran with emphasis on developments for 2020-2023. Iran has a wide variety of low to high enthalpy resources that are substantially associated with volcanic provinces. In this paper, we present advancements in power generation projects in Iran. A 5 MW Meshkinshahr project for power generation from the Sabalan geothermal field at the Ardebil Province- NW of Iran is in the final stage. As a current plan, it will be in operation in the summer of 2022. Direct utilization of geothermal fluids for swimming, bathing, and balneological applications of hot springs is about 85 MW around the country which represents the most outstanding thermal manifestations in Iran. Also, some other direct use applications such as fish farming are started to be utilized in some areas in the last years. 1geothermal heat pump for cooling and heating is also attracted and some new vertical and horizontal ground loop projects are started. Scientific attention to the thermal energy extraction from the abandoned oil and gas well is also started. There are more than 2500 abandoned wells in Iran which are widely distributed around the country. It can be used for power production, water desalination, industrial use, and buildings heating. Its huge potential can be used in the future years.