An Update of Tawau-Semporna Geothermal Resources Potential, Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

This short paper updates the thermal water chemistry data of selected Tawau-Semporna hot springs. The significance of the Apas Kiri area is stressed.

1. INTRODUCTION
The geothermal resources and potential of the Tawau-Semporna area, in the state of Sabah, have been repeatedly discussed in many reports since the late 80’s. These include: Lim (1988); Sanudin et al., (1990); Lim et al., (1991); Tjia et al., (1992); Liau (2001); Takashima et al (2001); Ang (2002); Lim and Takahashi (2003), Takashima et al (2003) and others. Except for the few later reports, the geothermal information discussed had based on the preliminary geothermal investigations done during the 80’s, which include surface water chemistry, aerial photo interpretation, limited petrographical and structural analysis and limited geophysical survey. Most of the reports cited the Apas Kiri, Tawau, geothermal manifestation as having the best prospect especially for electricity generation.

Despite the fact that recommendations were put forward to further assess the geothermal characteristics of the Apas Kiri area, the progress has however been quite slow. Nonetheless in 2003-2004 and with IAEA assistance, isotope and thermal water samples were collected and analysed. The samples were collected mainly from the Apas Kiri areas, Tawau hotspring and Sungai Jepun locations. This paper presents the latest chemical results of the resampled thermal waters from the few selected localities of the Tawau-Semporna geothermal sites. Meanwhile, the isotope results are yet to be received.