Geothermal activities in Rwanda: Hydrogeochemical characterization of geothermal waters and geothermometry applications

Abstract

studies indicate that Rwanda has a potential capacity to
generate geothermal energy in the volcano-tectonically active zones of the East
African Rift System (EARS). Two typical regions, Gisenyi and Mashyuza, were reevaluated
for the geothermal potential in Rwanda, where the hot springs were of Na-
HCO3 type waters. Geothermometers were applied to estimate subsurface
temperatures of Gisenyi and Mashyuza springs and their suitability were discussed
using Na-K-Mg diagram. In contradiction to previous studies, the results showed that
only K-Mg geothermometer provided reliable estimations for Gisenyi and Mashyuza
prospects for which reservoir temperatures are too low for energy production.