Assessment of the geothermal resources of the Republic of the Sudan

Abstract

There is an unavoidable need to develop geothermal resources to supplement Sudan's long-term energy demands significantly. Geothermal energy is one of the oldest, most varied, and widely utilized forms of renewable energy. As an introduction, an overview of geothermal energy, geothermal systems, the geological setting of East Africa, and the geological setting of Sudan will be explained. Following this, geothermal exploration in Eastern Africa and in Sudan will be presented. Many researchers have emphasized the significance of Sudan's geothermal resources, but due to a lack of knowledge, confidence, and authority, no actual work has been done, except the Bauyda area. A project in 1992 by ACRES concluded the highest potential in Jebel Marra, Red Sea, Muglad Rift Basin, and Bauyda Volcanic Field. As a result of the ACRES finding, this study focused on those areas to assess and rank them, although many potential geothermal resource areas have been identified and mentioned in previous reports. The positive attitude factors method was applied for potential geothermal areas in the republic of Sudan to assess and rank them. The positive attitude factors design method integrates past exploration data, reservoir, land uses, and marketing factors. An assessment and ranking of potential areas will mitigate the risk accompanied by resource development stages; therefore, this research will pave the way for decision-makers, private sectors, and stakeholders to lay out a roadmap for the development of geothermal resources of Sudan by focusing on the most promising sites. The final ranking shows that the Bauyda Volcanic Field has a good potential for further development. Therefore, research budgets and financial investments for geothermal exploration and development should be directed, followed by the Muglad Rift Basin area, Jebel Marra area, and the Red Sea area, respectively.