Stage 2 Exploration and Development, NW Sabalan Geothermal Field, Iran

Three deep exploration wells and two shallow reinjection wells have been drilled at the NW Sabalan geothermal field between late 2002 and May 2004 following detailed geoscientific surface surveys carried out in the late nineties. Results from well drilling and testing (static, flowing and geochemical) are presented and discussed and a modified resource model is presented. A preliminary resource assessment confirms the presence of a medium grade geothermal resource with temperatures within the drilled area up to 250 o C and with at least 5km 2 of resource available for commercial exploitation. A forward delineation drilling program is discussed together with a preliminary development plan. It is expected that a first stage geothermal development of between 20 and 40 MWe will be committed by the end of 2004. This will be the first geothermal power development in both Iran and the Middle East.