Preliminary evaluation of geothermal energy potential in western part of Dahomey Basin, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Recently, an active geothermal energy source was discovered in Isheri area (Lasena Water Company) of Ogun state, Southwestern Nigeria. Drillers drilling deep boreholes for “large quantity” groundwater exploitation accidentally intersected an aquifer of very hot water having temperature of between to 72 – 75oC at a drill depth of 425 m. For geophysicists interested in geothermal energy exploration, such accidental discovery is an indicator of a potentially viable “geothermal energy field” that requires coordinated exploration for proper characterisation and exploitation.