Geothermal Opportunities in Algeria

The present article aims to show the relevance and importance of springs in Algeria. However, the study will focus on geothermal opportunities in Algeria. Geothermal reservoirs in Algeria are located in two distinct areas: - Atlas Telian: A complex geological field with thrusting layers, faults and represented by discontinuous geothermal reservoirs. Late Neogene basins such as the Chelif and Hodna settled on these sheets. A seismic activity has occurred (for example Boumerdes earthquake in May 2003). - Atlas Sahara: It corresponds to the Northern Sahara, a vast area with a geological structure more stable with a huge geothermal reservoir named "Albian aquifer." It is semi-open to the West and captive in Eastern part. Geothermal resources are with low energy. The temperature of the hot springs in the Tellian domain ranges from 22 ° C to 98 ° C from West to East. The hottest spring is the Hammam-Chellala (Guelma). The recorded temperature of the Albian layer varies from 50 - 70 ° C. Three zones (Tlemcen - Guelma - Ouargla) are promising for potential geothermal energy exploitation. Depending on the case, heat production can be done either via a single well associated with a heat exchanger or via a "geothermal doublet”. The potential uses are many and varied: - Balneotherapy; - Greenhouses and urban heating; - Agricultural products drying; - Aquaculture; - Dwelling air conditioning.