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Geological Survey of Pakistan suggests geothermal feasibility studies at Gurgur

Geological Survey of Pakistan suggests geothermal feasibility studies at Gurgur Hot spring at the Karakoram highway, Pakistan (source: flickr/ Scott Christian, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 17 Feb 2017

The Geological Survey of Pakistan is asking for funding for feasibility studies on geothermal resources in Gurgur, expected to represent a large potential for geothermal energy utilisation.

In a recent briefing to Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources, the Director General of the Geological Survey of Pakistan spoke about tremendous geothermal potential in his country.

While the mentioned 10,000 MW potential seems a bit too optimistic, there still seems to be a sensible geothermal potential in the country. The briefing before the Committee is to help evaluate budgetary proposals related to the Public Sector Development Programme of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources for the financial year 107-2018.

In the meeting options for hydro power were discussed and geothermal described as a more economic option in various cases.

The Geological Survey of Pakistan reports having “nominated 50 sites for drilling and conducted drilling in 27 sites where we have discovered water resources. The water is hot on 500 degrees Celsius which can be used for electricity generation.”  The office is seeking funding for drilling up to 23 wells. It is estimated that the site of Gurgur in Balochistan, presents among the largest geothermal fields of the country. But this would require feasibility study.

The Geological Survey is proposing the work on feasibility studies to be conducted at Gurgur.

Source: The Nation