Geothermal Potentiality of Egypt: Review and Updated Status

Abstract

Egypt seeks to diversify in exploiting new energy resources that can be obtained at competitive rates in order to continue sustainable development processes. Whereas due to limited water and fossil fuel supplies, as well as growing environmental concerns, Egypt’s demand for clean and renewable alternative energy is increasing. Unexploited geothermal resources may contribute with additional forms of renewable energy to meet domestic energy requirements while also allowing electricity exports to increase. In this chapter, we review the state-of-the-art geothermal potentialities and resources in Egypt as well as current geothermal energy uses and future developments. Generally, almost all prior studies agree that the highest geothermal prospective sites are located in the eastern part of Egypt near the Red Sea, the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba. However, some areas in the Nile Delta and Western Desert have normal to low-temperature geothermal resources that can be utilized in many direct applications.