GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT IN IRAN

摘要

Geothermal energy development program in Iran commenced in 1975 indicating substantial geothermal energy potential in the northern part of the country. The regions of Sabalan, Damavand, Maku-Khoy and Sahand were considered as the most promising prospects for power generation purposes. The program was temporarily terminated in 1983 and resumed with definition of more extensive and comprehensive exploration studies in 1995 focusing precisely in the most promising region in NW Iran, Sabalan region, with the objective of development of the first geothermal power station. At the same time new attempt was taken for geothermal resource mapping in other part of the country. Currently, in addition to development program of 55 MWe geothermal power project in the Sabalan region, a number of other programs are being considered for developing direct use application of the nationwide geothermal resources such as development of 105 MWt direct use of geothermal energy in the form of several tourist attraction resorts and also geothermal heat pumps application.