Geothermal Energy Resources in Jordan, Country Update Report

Abstract

Jordan is blessed with many thermal water resources spread along the Jordan rift Valley (springs & wells), in addition to thermal wells in the Central and eastern plateau.
Several investigations of geothermal energy in Jordan have been taken place over the last three decades. These studies were conducted and cooperated by the Natural
Resources Authority assisted by several foreign firms. Since three years, Geothermal project are still running and sub stages connected with foreign agency's such as the World bank, the main goal of these studies to evaluate the potential of geothermal energy uses in Central Jordan were there is hundreds of wells discharged thermal water 30- 45?C and estimate the maximum reservoir temperature which predicted by geochemical studies around 115 ?C, in order to use for desalination the brackish water and evaporation process take into account the sustainable development.
Geothermal gradient map of Jordan shows two distinct regions of high gradients up to 50?C/km. the first region is in immediate vicinity of the east dead sea escarpment, where many springs discharged 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 in whole the country 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. Since WGC2000 there is no additional direct use since that time.