Progress of Geothermal Development in Algeria

There are more than 240 thermal springs in Algeria. The geothermal energy in Algeria is generally of a low enthalpy type. The total heat discharge from the main springs and existing wells is approximately 642 MWt. Three geothermal zones have been delineated according to some geological and thermal considerations: 1) The Tlemcenian dolomites in the northwestern part of Algeria, 2) carbonate formations in the northeastern part of Algeria and 3) the sandstone Albian reservoir in the Sahara (south of Algeria). The northeastern part of Algeria is geothermally very interesting. Application of gas geothermometery to northeastern Algerian gases suggests that the reservoir temperature is around 198˚C. Two conceptual geothermal models are presented, concerning the northern and southern part of Algeria. The principal utilizations of the hot water are balneology and space and greenhouse heating. Eight hot springs are used as public thermal resorts for medical purposes.