Geothermal Development in Iran: a Country Update

Abstract

This paper provides a summary of geothermal activities in Iran with emphasis on developments for 2000-2004. Iran has a wide variety of low to medium enthalpy resources that are substantially associated with volcanic provinces. In this paper, we present advancements from: i) the Meshkinshahr project purposed at generating electricity from the Sabalan geothermal field (Ardebil Province- NW of Iran) ii) direct utilization of hot springs in the Sabalan area which represents the most outstanding thermal manifestations in Iran and iii) a sampling of direct utilization projects that were proposed based on findings from a recently completed investigation of Iran's geothermal potential. Furthermore, Damavand prospect known as a potential field has recently attracted the attention of scientists and its detailed investigation has been prioritized.