Geothermal Energy in Iran: A Summary of Recent Activities

摘要

Geothermal studies in Iran commenced in 1975 with a cooperative program between the Ministry of Energy of Iran and Ente Nazionale per L'Energia Elettrica (ENEL-Italy). Preliminary surveys carried out under this program indicated potential for either geothermal direct-use or power generation in at least four areas in northern Iran, including Khoy-Maku and Mts. Sabalan, Sahand and Damavand (Fig. 1). In 1992 the Ministry of Energy resumed interest in geothermal energy and commenced assessment studies of the countrywide geothermal potential of Iran. The ministry conducted field surveys at the Meshkin Shahr and Saraein geothermal prospects located on the NW and SE flanks (respectively) of Mt. Sabalan.