| Abstract |
South Africa has significant potential for developing low-enthalpy geothermal energy. However, the development of these resources is slow. This may be related to the limited available information on the characteristics of the potential sites in the country. More information is needed and should be used to accelerate geothermal exploration in South Africa. This paper presents the findings of new data collected at geothermal waters in South Africa. This includes various physical, chemical, and isotopic characteristics. Data and information are presented for forty-one sites and include temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and oxygen and hydrogen isotopes. The results suggest that the geothermal waters can be classified into four types, namely, Na-Cl, Na-HCO3, Mg-HCO3 and a mixture of waters. Most of these geothermal waters are associated with a seawater signature. Twenty geothermal waters exhibit low to medium enthalpy ranges, with circulation depths of 1-3km. The results reiterate that the geothermal waters of South Africa suggest underlying resources that can support energy development. |