Assessment of sustainable geothermal potential in Patigi region, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the geothermal potential in the Patigi region of Nigeria to address local and national power challenges. The study area and its environs are currently experiencing a power outage for the past three years. As energy is one of the most vital factors that facilitate development in a region or country at large.Aeromagnetic data were utilised to determine the geothermal potential, which could be added to the energy mix to boost the energy supply in the region. The geothermal parameters that were established from the study are the Curie point depth, geothermal gradient, and heat flow. The residual map was segmented into nine overlapping spectral blocks, and the logarithm of spectral energies was plotted against wave number. From these plots, the centroid depth (Z0) and the depth to the top boundary (Zt) were derived to calculate the Curie point depth (CPD), geothermal gradient (GG), and heat flow (HF). The results indicated that the Curie point depth values ranged from 34.09 km to 55.19 km, with an average of 41.87 km. The geothermal gradient values varied from 10.51 to 17.01 °C/km, averaging 14.13 °C/km. The heat flow values spanned from 26.27 to 42.53 mW/m², with an average of 35.32 mW/m². The deepest Curie point depth was observed in the central and northeastern parts of the study area, while shallower depths were found in other parts. Geothermal and heat flow contour maps highlighted hotspots in the southeastern and eastern regions, including Kusoji, Rogun, Ekopapo-Yagi, Etsufu, Sankwafuji, Momba, Koro, and Rodun. These hotspots are deemed suitable for geothermal energy exploitation, potentially addressing the power challenges in the study area and throughout Nigeria.Developing geothermal energy resources in Nigeria can significantly help achieve sustainable development goals 7, 9, 11, and 13. It could also enhance a reduction of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.