Geothermal resources in Iran: The sustainable future

Because of disadvantages of fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are getting importance for sustainable energy development and environmental protection. Among the renewable sources, Iran has geothermal energy potential. The Iranian government is considerable attention to the utilization of renewable energy, especially wind, solar and geothermal energies. Due to recent advancements in geothermal energy, many investors in the country have become interested in investing in this type of energy. Geothermal studies in Iran started in 1975 with a cooperative between the ministry of Energy of Iran and ENEL Company from Italy. Preliminary studies indicated potential for geothermal power generation in four areas in northern Iran (Khoy-Maku, Sabalan, Sahand and Damavand at Azarbaijan Gharbi, Ardebil, Azarbaijan Sharghi and Tehran provinces), respectively. Geothermal development in Iran has gained momentum in the last five years with increased exploration and industry growth in the country. Iran is developing a geothermal plant for power production. Iran government plans to build 2000 MW of renewable energy capacity over the next five years. Total projected use (geothermal capacity) has been estimated 100 MW at the end of 2010. Exploration drilling is currently in-progress for Meshkinshahr project in North-Western Iran. The Sabalan geothermal power plant is expected to produce 50 MW electric powers in 2011. The plants are planned by Iran Ministry of Energy and the Renewable Energy Organization of Iran (SUNA). This study presents a brief introduction to the resource, status and prospect of geothermal energy in Iran.