Geothermal Energy Resources in Jordan, Country Update Report

Abstract

Several investigations of geothermal energy in Jordan have taken place over the last three decades. These studies were conducted and cooperated by the Natural Resources Authority assisted by several foreign institutions and companies. They revealed a rich geothermal potential in low enthalpy resources spread amongst several geothermal fields. Geothermal gradient map of Jordan shows two distinct regions of high geothermal gradients up to 50?C/km. The first region is in immediate vicinity of the east Dead Sea escarpment, where many springs discharge thermal water originates from the Lower Cretaceous Sandstone. The second one is near the border with Syria and Iraq. In this region several thermal wells discharge water from the Upper Cretaceous Limestone. The thermal water of springs and wells range in temperatures between 30 to 63?C. The springs and wells are currently used for spas and recreation. Also they have been used as irrigation water in several agricultural activities. These heat sources are being planned to be used for heating greenhouses and fish farming.