Red Sea geothermal belt potential clean energy source to power NEOM and nearby countries

Abstract

There is a great deal of clean geothermal energy available along the eastern flank of the Red Sea spreading axis, and along the western Arabian shield that can be utilized for generating clean water and electricity. It is estimated that these super-hot EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems) sources can generate 49 × 1011 kWh of electricity in a year, which is many times greater than the amount of energy that Saudi Arabia consumes annually (2.89 × 1011 kWh). In the coastal areas of the Red Sea, a similar amount of energy is also available along the western flanks of the ridge and on its eastern margin. A great advantage of harnessing the energy from the high heat flow ridge flanks is their proximity to the coastline and shallow depth from the sea surface. In addition to providing abundant potable water for the development of a sustainable green environment, this energy can power the entire western Arabian coast, as well as the ambitious “NEOM” development project of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Najeeb M.A. Rasul and Ian C.F. Stewart; individual chapters, the contributors.