Geothermal Potential Assessment of the Agadem Petroleum Basin (Eastern Niger) and Energy Evaluation

Abstract

The Agadem Basin is located in the southeastern part of the Republic of Niger. The structural setting is dominated by faulted and tilted blocks arranged in networks of horsts, grabens, and half-grabens, which have favored both hydrocarbon accumulation and deep fluid circulation. These characteristics also make the area potentially suitable for geothermal resource development. This study assesses the geothermal resources of the Agadem Basin through the analysis of petroleum-well data, particularly bottom-hole temperatures. The geothermal gradients investigated in the Dibeilla, Fana, and Koulele oil fields indicate geothermal potential. This is particularly the case in the Dibeilla field, where bottom-hole temperatures range from 161-171°C after application of the Harrison correction, with geothermal gradients ranging from 40.5 to 48.3°C/km. These values indicate that some wells may be capable of generating electricity at sufficient depth. Accordingly, a simulation was performed by assuming a fixed depth of 3,000 m for selected wells. The cumulative recoverable geothermal energy of the wells potentially suitable for electricity generation is estimated at 32.13 million MWh using a recovery factor of 20%. The recoverable thermal power, calculated over a ten (10)-year period, is estimated at 372 MW.