Reassessing high geothermal zones in the benue trough, Nigeria, using airborne radiometric data

Abstract

The rising global demand for sustainable energy and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have highlighted geothermal energy as a reliable and continuous power source. This study re-evaluates geothermal potential in the Benue Trough, Nigeria, using high-resolution airborne radiometric data to quantify concentrations of heat-producing elements—potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U). The analysis focuses on four main zones (A, B, D, and F), for which detailed radiogenic heat production (RHP) models were developed. The results revealed significant spatial variability in RHP values, with hotspots observed in Talasse, Guyuk, Numan, Yalwa, Yalo, Awe, Keana, Ugbodo and Ndubia. The maximum RHP values range from 2.53 to 8.43 µW/m3, exceeding the global crustal average, indicating significant geothermal energy potential. The geothermal estimates obtained in this study are consistent with earlier studies in the Benue Trough, while additionally providing improved spatial resolution and more precise delineation of localized radiogenic heat anomalies. These results corroborate the idea that radiogenic heat alone can maintain exploitable geothermal resources across various regions of the Trough. The results show that the lithology and tectonic structures influence the thermal regime below the surface, and radiometric surveys can be used to locate prospects. This article presents a scientific basis for focused geothermal exploration in the Benue Trough and supports Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon power system.