Tapping Geothermal Energy for Power Generation in the MENA Region

Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy generated from the heat stored beneath the earth's surface. It has substantial potential in various regions, particularly in areas with active tectonic and volcanic activity. 

Some countries, like the U.S., Indonesia, Philippines, Turkiye, New Zealand, Mexico and Kenya have tapped into this potential, utilizing geothermal power plants for electricity generation. 

Superhot rock energy is an emerging geothermal energy source with significant potential in the Middle East too. 

This innovative technology harnesses vast reserves of renewable energy by injecting water deep into underground rock formations where temperatures exceed 400°C. The water is naturally heated and returns to the surface as supercritical or superheated water, which is then used to power generators, produce carbon-free electricity, generate clean hydrogen, and support other energy-intensive industrial processes. 

Opportunities in the MENA Region 

The geothermal energy potential from superhot rock in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region has the potential to surpass the anticipated carbon-free energy demands in this region. If fully harnessed, it could not only fulfill the region's energy requirements but also generate thousands of additional terawatt-hours. 

Superhot rock formations cover 40% of the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia alone offering up to 1,791 GWe of energy capacity. This energy potential extends to 50% of MENA’s land area, spanning over 2.5 million km² at depths below 12.5 km. Investment in deep drilling and technology is expected to unlock vast energy opportunities, positioning MENA as a key player in the global transition to sustainable energy. 

Moreover, only 1% of the MENA’s superhot rock resources have the potential to deliver 7.2 terawatts of energy capacity, capable of generating nearly 60,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. 

For instance: Dubai consumed 53.1 TWh of electricity in 2022, meaning MENA’s superhot rock energy capacity could theoretically meet the annual electricity demands of over 1,200 cities the size of Dubai. 

Countries such as Libya, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Algeria, Iran, Morocco, Syria, Oman, Jordan, and Iraq present considerable opportunities for superhot rock energy in the MENA region. 

Notably, if fully developed, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, and Algeria are the top five, with a combined potential of 4,600 GW of superhot rock energy. 

The total capacity potential of superhot rock energy if fully developed across countries with available heat in Africa. 

Source: Clean Air Task Force 

Desalination Potential 

Desalination plays a crucial role in water supply across the MENA region. For instance, Saudi Arabia produces ~70% of drinking water from desalination. The country produces over 2 billion cubic meters of desalinated seawater annually, which requires about 6.64 TWh of electricity — equivalent to 25% of its total domestic oil and gas output. 

Oil and gas are currently the main energy sources for desalination, with dependency expected to reach 50% by 2030. Tapping into superhot rock energy in Saudi Arabia could not only meet the nation's entire electricity demand, including growing desalination needs but also generate an excess of over 16,000 TWh for additional projects. 

Therefore, similar results are expected for other Middle East and North African countries with high desalination needs. The surplus energy could be used for exporting energy-intensive products or zero-carbon fuels. 

Also Read: Renewable Energy Procurement and Carbon Offsetting

Advantages of Geothermal Energy 

1. Efficient land use: 

Superhot rock energy is an energy-dense resource, resulting in minimal land requirements , requiring just 12 km² to generate 1 GW of superhot rock energy. In contrast, natural gas needs 160 km², solar 180 km², offshore wind 520 km², and biomass a vast 14,000 km². 

2. Cost Efficient: 

According to preliminary modeling, electricity generated from established superhot rock energy resources could be competitive with traditional power sources, potentially costing around $25-40 (USD) per MWh on a global scale. 

Superhot Rock Energy holds significant potential in the MENA region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, which boasts a strong oil and gas industry and expertise in subsurface technologies. With the right funding and policy support, the region could leverage its existing infrastructure and technical capabilities, spearheaded by companies like Aramco, to develop superhot rock energy. 

Although it may take time for this technology to reach commercial scale , its long-term development could play a key role in transitioning MENA towards a more sustainable, low-carbon energy future, enhancing global renewable energy supply. 

Author: Gaurav Joshi