High Enthalpy Shallow Geothermal Energy: The Anomaly

The SAGE4CAN project focuses on investigating the shallow geothermal potential of the Canary Islands. During the project execution in 2021, the Tajogaite volcanic eruption took place. This eruption resulted in the deposition of lava flows, totaling approximately 200 million cubic meters, with temperatures ranging between 400 and 900°C. Remarkably, these materials represent a shallow geothermal reservoir of exceptionally high enthalpy, deviating from conventional shallow geothermal reservoirs that typically maintain temperatures close to the annual atmospheric average.

This study presents the calculated results of harnessing geothermal energy from these deposits during the cooling period of the lava flows. The goal is to extract heat from the reservoir to generate both electricity and domestic hot water. The unique nature of this geothermal reservoir, characterized by its elevated temperatures, challenges the conventional understanding of shallow geothermal systems, offering an exceptional opportunity for sustainable energy utilization in the Canary Islands. Moreover, these findings provide a framework for redefining shallow geothermal potential, traditionally associated only with depth. While depth remains a crucial factor, our study highlights the exception that proves the rule, demonstrating that geothermal anomalies, such as the one observed here, contribute valuable insights to the broader understanding of shallow geothermal resources in the Canary Islands.