gems, Eritrea, geology

Eritrea is entirely reliant on imported refined petroleum products for its electricity generation. In 2017, 50 MW were added to a total installed power capacity, bringing it to 195 MW. By the end of 2019, 13.5 MW were generated from solar in the off-grid system. The capacity is not enough, as development—mainly in mining, agriculture, and industry sectors—is planned to increase. Therefore, harnessing the geothermal potential has a significant impact on the economic development of Eritrea. The impact can be viewed as greater stability in electricity prices and less strain on the environment. Thus, geothermal energy will have an important input in alleviating expenditure on foreign currency while safeguarding the environment. In 2019, 24 professionals took basic training in surface exploration studies in Asmara with the sponsorship of UNEP/ICEIDA. The tectonic setting and geological makeup of the Danakil region of Eritrea are favourable for harbouring geothermal resources with the potential for being developed, mainly for electricity generation and geothermal utilization. Alid, Nabro-Dubbi, and Jalua fields are the notable places with ample geothermal manifestations. The 2011 eruption in Nabro-Dubbi signifies that the area is still an active magmatic zone. The old surface manifestation has been covered by basaltic flows and ashes. It is to be noted that other high geothermal manifestations also occur in the Jalua volcanic complex, but need exploration study. There is considerable potential for the utilization of low-temperature thermal springs for recreation spas, health, and mineral water bottling, etc., around the Asmara–Massawa highway, close to the Gulf of Zula and within the Danakil Depression, which mostly do not show any immediate association with recent magmatism.