Geothermal energy potential of southwestern of Saudi Arabia "exploration and possible power generation": A case study at Al Khouba area – Jizan

Saudi Arabia is enriched by many geothermal resources located mainly at the western and southwestern parts. These resources are related to the general tectonic activity of the Red Sea and associated with a series of volcanic rocks and ridges. The Jizan area is considered as a promising geothermal system that includes a number of structural-related hot springs with surface temperature from 46°C to 78°C. The present work aims mainly to explore and locate the potentiality of these resources through analyzing the available satellite images, applying a number of geo-indicators and performing a 2D electric geophysical survey, as well as estimating the geothermal reserve potential for possible energy production.