Exploring the Untapped Geothermal Energy Potential in Egypt: A Comprehensive Review of Resources, Applications, and Future Prospects

Abstract

Egypt's increasing demand for clean and renewable energy sources, coupled with limited fossil fuel supplies and environmental challenges, has led to the exploration of alternative energy solutions. Geothermal energy, an underutilized resource in Egypt, offers significant potential to diversify the country’s renewable energy portfolio. This review paper provides a comprehensive assessment of Egypt’s geothermal resources, focusing on the most promising locations, including the Red Sea region, the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, and select areas in the Nile Delta and Western Desert. While the geothermal resources in Egypt are predominantly low to medium enthalpy, suitable for direct-use applications such as district heating, greenhouse agriculture, and recreational facilities, the high geothermal gradients and heat flow in the Gulf of Suez (45°C/km and 120 mW/m², respectively) present opportunities for small-scale electricity generation. An example of this is the Hammam Faraun site, which has a geothermal reserve capacity estimated at 12.4 MWt, making it viable for a binary cycle power plant. Implementing geothermal technology in Egypt could reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and expand its renewable energy exports. This paper highlights the potential applications of geothermal energy in Egypt, including district heating projects for residential communities, greenhouse heating systems for year-round agricultural productivity, and the development of geothermal spas to boost the tourism sector. The findings emphasize the need for investment, advanced geothermal technologies, and strategic planning to fully harness Egypt’s geothermal potential, contributing to its sustainable development and energy security.