Density Heat Flow geographical distribution

The distribution of Density Heat Flow (DHF) is an indicator of geothermal potential. Specific zones, such as the Muruntau area, have been measured significant heat flow density values, which demostrates high potential for petrothermal resource development. ^[4]

Hydrothermal Resources

Hydrogeological surveys have identified large artesian basins with significant thermal capacity. These water resources are suitable for utilization in energy production, mineral extraction, and agriculture. ^[2] Key identified basins include:

• Bukhara-Karshi Basin: Projected resources for the Alb-Cenomanian and Senon-Paleocene aquifer complexes are estimated at 42,000 and 10,400 ${\displaystyle {\text{m}}^{3}/{\text{day}}}$, respectively, with thermal resources estimated at 555,000 Gcal/year. ^[2]
• Aral Sea Basin: Forecast resources in the Cenomanian and Turonian-Senon complexes are 11,300 and 5,700 ${\displaystyle {\text{m}}^{3}/{\text{day}}}$, respectively, with thermal resources estimated at 143,000 and 53,000 Gcal/year. ^[2]
• Mingbulak Basin: Located in the Namangan region, the Senon aquifer complex has projected resources of 1,000 ${\displaystyle {\text{m}}^{3}/{\text{day}}}$ and thermal resources of approximately 10,000 Gcal/year. ^[2]
• Gissar Region: Geophysical surveys in the Gulistan area have identified two high-intensity heat flow density anomalies, which indicate specific development potential. ^[1]

Petrothermal Resources

In addition to hydrothermal aquifers, petrothermal energy is stored in deep crustal rocks. The Muruntau area in Western Uzbekistan is characterized by a high measured heat flow density value of ${\displaystyle 89{\text{mW}}/{\text{m}}^{2}}$. Geophysical studies in this region have identified conductive anomalies and zones of crustal decompression at depths of 2–4 kilometres (1.2–2.5 mi), corresponding to highly heated rock formations. ^{[3] [1]}

Balneology and Residential Heating

Geothermal water is utilized for health, recreation, and hot water supply in several locations:

Altynsaik Field (Navoi Region): Wells operating at depths of 135–300 metres (443–984 ft) produce low-mineralized water (1.6–1.9 g/l) at temperatures of 68–70 °C (154–158 °F). This water is used for balneotherapy and space heating at the "Altynsai" and "Mother and Child" sanatoriums. ^[2]

Altyaryk Sanatorium (Fergana): This facility utilizes local geothermal waters at 37–42 °C (99–108 °F) for balneological purposes and as a domestic hot water supply. ^[2]

Muruntau Project: Plans include utilizing deep heat resources to establish a geothermal station that would provide electricity and heating to a new settlement necessitated by the expansion of the Muruntau gold quarry. ^[3]

Agriculture and Aquaculture

Greenhouses: The government has established the "Bukhoro-agro" free economic zone to develop modern greenhouse complexes, which are intended to utilize geothermal resources for heating. ^[2]

Aquaculture: Thermal waters cooled to 25–30 °C (77–86 °F) are designated for use in intensive fish breeding under the "Uzbekbaliqsanoat" program. ^[2]

Integrated Use Schemes

To maximize the economic efficiency of the thermal water resources, a transition from single-purpose use (balneology) to multi-stage integrated utilization (cascading) is proposed. ^[2] The following schemes illustrate the current and potential rational usage of thermomineral waters, specifically in the context of a sanatorium-dispensary complex:

Scheme A (Current Use): Thermomineral water (${\displaystyle 57-65^{\circ }C}$) is mixed with tap water to dilute it to ${\displaystyle 25-30^{\circ }C}$ before being supplied to medical buildings and sanatoriums for therapeutic bathing (balneology). Specific examples of current applications include the Keles tubdispanser and Zangiota sanatorium. ^[2]

Scheme B (Proposed Rational Use): This scheme involves a cascade approach to maximize energy use within the complex. Hot water (${\displaystyle 50-92^{\circ }C}$) is sequentially routed to: Household needs (${\displaystyle 35-40^{\circ }C}$). Swimming pools and shower rooms (${\displaystyle 30-35^{\circ }C}$). Greenhouse farms (${\displaystyle 25^{\circ }C}$). Fish breeding pools (${\displaystyle 25-30^{\circ }C}$) for aquaculture. Ponds for algae development (${\displaystyle 18-20^{\circ }C}$). Irrigation (${\displaystyle 20^{\circ }C}$) at the lowest temperature stage.

Gulistan Geothermal Station (Gissar Region)

The Gulistan Area in the Gissar region is a primary focus for Uzbekistan's first commercial geothermal power plant. Intensive 3D geological modeling has identified potential reservoirs suitable for energy production at depths ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 kilometers (1.6 to 2.2 miles).

The proposed strategy involves the staged construction of binary cycle power plants, a technology well-suited for the identified medium-temperature resources. The ultimate goal is an eventual total installed capacity of 100 megawatts (MW), to be built in 50 MW increments. ^[1] The use of this technology is crucial to achieving the goal of providing stable baseload power to the national grid. ^[1]