| Title | Unlocking Geothermal Potential in Northern Tanzania: Preliminary Geoscientific Exploration of the Natron Prospect |
|---|---|
| Authors | Keneth Lupogo, Lucas Tumbu, Albano Mahecha, Sadock Josephat, Mbega Ramadhani Ngata |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | The Natron Geothermal Prospect, located within the Natron-Magadi rift basin of the East African Rift System (EARS), is one of the focus areas for Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC), targeting 60MWe generation capacity from this area. As part of the efforts to develop the Natron geothermal project, preliminary geoscientific investigations including geology, geochemistry, and geophysics were undertaken in 2024. This paper presents findings from the 2024 exploration efforts in Natron, integrating geological mapping, Magnetotelluric (MT) surveys, and soil CO₂ and temperature flux measurements. The recent stud identified fluvial and lacustrine sediments, volcanoclastic, and basement rocks controlled by NNE-SSW and NW-SE fault systems as the dominant exposures in the area. The 10km long Gelai dyke (45–50° NE) has been suggested as the possible heat source for the Natron system. Additionally, the hot springs, with temperatures up to 52.8°C and pH levels reaching 9.1, aligning with the major structures in the area was observed. MT surveys revealed a low-resistivity clay cap sealing a probably 2 km-deep reservoirs, with temperatures estimated between 125and 174°C, and NaCl-HCO₃ fluids. Soil gas and temperature survey mapped possibly fluid pathways in the Natron geothermal area. These findings enhance the understanding of the geothermal system in Natron and enable planned of further assessment studies. TGDC is implementing further studies in Natron to enable citing of resource confirmation wells and subsequent stages. |