Geothermal Update Report from Israel 2005

Abstract

Since the previous geothermal update report from Israel 1999, few new studies concerning Geothermal subjects were published.
Some 430 deep oil and structural wells were drilled in Israel, Most of these wells are abandoned or not in use. The available geothermal information from the majority of these wells was used in preparation of thermal gradients and isotherm contour maps at different depths. Approximately 100 of the above mentioned wells were examined for possible utilization of low enthalpy geothermal energy. Target horizons, possible yields, water salinity and water temperature were estimated.
A number of those wells were selected for utilization in spas based on different chemical composition and salinity concentrations with varying balneological needs.
Since the year 1999 few more of the above mentioned wells were utilized for spa application. At the same period numerous shalow low temperature wells were drilled for fish ponds water supply.
Also the use of geothermal water for agriculture continued scaling up, in the Dead Sea Rift and the southern coastal plainl, for use in greenhouses. Most of this water is pumped from deep water wells.