Technical Cooperation Geothermal Energy Tanzania

Report of the project:

BGR supports Tanzania in the identification and exploration of geothermal sites and the implementation of a strategy to use geothermal energy within the national energy supply.

Transient electromagnetic survey Transient electromagnetic survey Source: BGR

Geological background and strategy for supporting the use of renewable energy resources

The western and the eastern branch of the East African Rift System cross Tanzania. In the Northern Volcanic Province many volcanos can be found. Most prominent are Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, about 60 km west of Kilimanjaro. Heat sources in the underground are substantial for geothermal use and therefore volcanos are a target for investigation.

In the framework of the national energy strategy several areas are investigated to examine if potential geothermal resources can be identified. In case of adequate conditions, power generation may be possible and increases the national power supply and diversifies the energy mix.

Project description

BGR co-operates with the Tanzania’s state owned geothermal Company (TGDC) in the geothermal exploration of the Mount Meru volcano. Geological, geophysical, petrological and chemical investigations are used for the investigation of potentially suitable sites. Satellite based remote sensing techniques can be used for the detection of surface movements and structural analyses.These data may indicate the existence of geothermal reservoirs at depth, and potential pathways for the ascent of geothermal fluids.

The electromagnetic methods of magnetotellurics and transient electromagnetics are widely used for exploring potential geothermal sites. They yield information about the electrical resistivity distribution in the deep subsurface which can indicate the existence of geothermal reservoirs.

Geochemical analyses of water, rock, and gas samples provide information about thermal and chemical interactions and the existence of hydrothermal systems at depth.

Joint interpretation of the results obtained by the different methods will facilitate the assessment of the geothermal potential of a volcano and recommendate for further exploration, e.g. drilling exploration wells.

Topography of the Northern Volcanic Province Topography of the Northern Volcanic Province Source: http://www.gmis-tanzania.com/