Prospect Area Mapping for Geothermal Energy Exploration in Afghanistan

Abstract

Abstract-One of the cleanest energy sources is geothermal. To generate electricity or to directly use as heat this sustainable resource proper investigation of reservoir characteristics is required. The purpose of this research is to determine the best prospect location of geothermal reservoirs for further investigation in Afghanistan. To achieve this goal, the geological, geophysical, and geochemical evidence maps (such as volcanic dome and rock, fault, high temperature, intrusive rock, geopressured, hot spring, and hydrothermal mineral areas) were created in GIS (Geographical Information System) ArcMap 10.1. The GIS geoprocessing tools (such as buffer, union, and intersection) were used to define the best prospect areas of geothermal energy resources. The result of this study is the first digital map of prospect areas for geothermal resources in Afghanistan. Besides known hot springs, it has determined the wide potential areas around the load centers and big cities of the country.

A Thorough Analysis of Potential Geothermal Project Locations in Afghanistan

“…The terrain in Afghanistan suggests that there are vast systems of groundwater circulating beneath the country [48]. However, despite the excellent geothermal potential present here, Afghanistan still does not have a single geothermal power plant [17].…”

“…Although geothermal energy can satisfy part of the country's electricity demand, generating electricity from geothermal sources has two major requirements: adequate equipment and large resources of water or steam [50]. The presence of many magma springs, volcanoes, and surface hot water in Afghanistan is a testament to the enormous geothermal potential of this country; a potential that has also been reaffirmed by recent geological studies [17]. Afghanistan also has access to the technologies needed to effectively harness geothermal energy potentials [51].…”

“…However, increased public awareness on the importance of sustainable power sources has led to a growing demand for the development and utilisation of renewable energy sources [16]. As Afghanistan has numerous volcanic sites and hot springs, it is more than likely that the country not only has significant power generation potential, but a vast quantity of untapped geothermal power [17]. Therefore, geothermal power plants may be able to meet a significant part of Afghanistan's current and future electricity demands [15].…”

A GIS-Based Analysis of Earth’s Crust Temperature at Depth for Geothermal Energy Exploration in Afghanistan

“…It is one of the required parameters for temperature calculation in the sediment layer. We had estimated the earth surface mean heat flow value by thermo-tectonic age and geological setting in GIS using multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) system [10]. The global, continental heat flow mean value has a correlation with thermo-tectonic age.…”

“…The Curie point (580°C) depth and heat flow estimation in the west of Afghanistan from the aeromagnetic data [9]. The prospect area mapping for geothermal energy exploration in Afghanistan [10]. We have used the available data to estimate the earth's crust temperature.…”