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The state and prospects of geothermal energy development in Uzbekistan

Bakhtiyar Ismailov, Aziz Ibragimov, Timur Gafurov, Talad Mumindjanov, Rakhim Tursunmetov

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https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202449403002

Highlights

  • Projected geothermal resources to 5–6 km are four to six times those of hydrocarbons.
  • At the Altynsai field, six wells 135–300 m deep give water at 68–70 °C, used by two sanatoriums for treatment, heating, hot water and greenhouses.
  • The Bukhara–Karshi artesian basin holds estimated thermal resources of about 555,000 Gcal a year (an assessment from 1977–79).

Abstract

The article considers topical issues of the state of resources and prospects of use of geothermal energy taking into account foreign experience in the republic as one of the types of renewable energy source, connected, first of all, with depleted fossil fuel reserves and dependence on imports (mainly oil and gas imports). Uzbekistan has huge resources and reserves of geothermal resources, the projected resources of which at accessible depths (up to 5-6 km) are 4-6 times higher than those of hydrocarbons. The high economic efficiency of geothermal resources is determined by their thermal potential, which can be achieved by developing integrated schemes for each geothermal field. All this makes it possible to consider geothermal waters of the republic as the basis of development of geothermal energy in the republic.

The authors’ abstract, reproduced under CC BY 4.0.

In plain English

A review of the state of Uzbekistan’s geothermal resources and the prospects for using them, drawing on foreign experience.

The authors describe fields already in use, such as Altynsai in Navoi region, and argue that each field needs its own scheme to make the most of both the heat and the minerals in its water.

Figures (1)

Two schematic diagrams of thermal water use, today and as a cascade
Fig. 1. How a sanatorium uses its thermal water today (A), and a cascade that would use the same heat several times over (B). Source: Bakhtiyar Ismailov et al. (2024), CC BY 4.0.

How to cite

Bakhtiyar Ismailov, Aziz Ibragimov, Timur Gafurov, Talad Mumindjanov and Rakhim Tursunmetov (2024). The state and prospects of geothermal energy development in Uzbekistan. E3S Web of Conferences, 494, 03002 (AEES 2024). https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202449403002

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