Updated Geothermal Activities in Iran

Abstract

The geothermal activities in Iran started by ministry Energy of Iran in 1975, research and survey indicate that Iran has substantial geothermal potential, specifically in the Sabalan Sahand (Azarbaijan) and Damavand regions, that are considerable prospects for electric power generation and direct uses. The Electric Power Research Center (EPRC) and Renewable Energy Organization of Iran (SUNA) were established to justify priorities of the above mentioned regions (Fotouhi, 1995). As a result: Meshkinshahr and Sarein areas in Sabalan region were proposed for electric and direct use respectively (1993-1996). In 1998 Kingston Morrison Ltd. (KML) on behalf of SUNA completed a resistivity survey consisting of D.C., TEM, and MT measurements in Meshkinshahr. In this area the location of three exploration wells were proposed. The DC, Schlumberger and TEM and MT survey were also performed in Sarein area for direct uses in the summer of 1998. SUNA also conducted the primarily geothermal potential exploration in Iran during 1995, 1996. As a result 10 prospects were proposed for detailed geothermal and geophysical survey. Among the proposed areas, the preliminary geological and geochemical surveys were completed in Takab (NW. Iran) and Bazman (SE. Iran) regions. The Damavand region (N. Iran) contains a promising zone at Nunal, where according to thermal survey and geothermometric studies the average subsurface/ reservoir temperature is 150?C. Pursuant to hydrological, geophysical and geochemical interpretation, Nunal area is one of the selected site for geothermal energy development (Tamjidi and Fotouhi, 1996).