Azerbaijan studies thermal waters capacities
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan has begun to conduct research into its thermal waters as an alternative energy source.
Institute of Geology and Geophysics of Azerbaijan's National Academy of Sciences reports scientists involved in identification of the location of these sources are sure that thermal waters widespread in the country have a high energy potential.
Head of the Department of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences Yusif Israfilov noted that one of the aims of the ongoing research is to find and use alternative energy sources.
The research is conducted in accordance with Azerbaijan's State program on use of alternative and renewable energy sources jointly with the Head of Department at Geology Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences Vasily Lavrushin.
The main target of the research is to develop a technology for the rational use of such energy. At present, the spatial structure, and quantitative and qualitative indicators of centers of thermal waters were explored in mountains, foothill and lowland areas of the country. The process of their formation, their migration routes and thermodynamic parameters are being studied.
An information base has been set up on sources of waters to find out the mechanism of the energy sources in the country.
The analyses show there is a connection between the thermal springs of thermal water and fluids of mantle.
Speaking about the possibility to obtain energy from high temperature thermal waters, Israfilov noted that these technologies are widely used in the world. In their research, the scientists use world experiences.
To determine the depth of the pockets of high-temperature thermal waters, scientists use a range of methods including hydrogeological, geochemical, geodynamic, and geothermal ones.
The main challenge now facing researchers is to determine sources of thermal waters in Azerbaijan, the institute said.
For efficient use of thermal water, a zoning plan will be created.
As soon as these sources are specified, a set of exact information on the possibilities of drilling will be presented to the appropriate government agencies.
Earlier, the Industry and Energy Ministry reported that the country possessed 400 million cubic meters per day of operated geothermal water with 30C-100C temperature.
The Caspian coastal and Guba region, Kura-Araz lowland and Talysh-Lankaran area are promising from the viewpoint of the usage of geothermal water.
Thermal waters are one of the most stable sources of energy in the world with their temperatures reaching 50,000 degrees in the Earth's core.
Geothermal energy is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels and is the most abundant energy resource. Azerbaijan, rich in thermal waters with temperatures reaching 35C-1,000C degrees, can use this alternative in everyday life.
Currently, there are 13 thermal power plants in the country.
The country rich in terms of alternative energy sources, started to use its resources with the establishment of the State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources in 2009.
The total capacity of alternative and renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan exceeds 12,000 megawatts.
However, most of the country's capacities in this area fall on solar energy, and the capacity is estimated at 5,000 megawatts. Some 4,500 MW fall on wind energy, biomass - 1,500 MW, geothermal energy - 800 MW, while the remaining 350 MW is a potential for small hydro power plants, he added.
The share of alternative energy sources is planned to increase to 20 percent of the total volume of energy consumption in Azerbaijan by 2020. This requires 7 billion manats ($8.9 billion) of investment.