A General Overview of the UNFC for Geothermal Energy Resources and Examples of Algeria’s Geothermal Resources

Main Article Content

Hafidha Khebizi
Bachir Benlaoukli
Hamza Merabet

Abstract

This work is divided into two parts. The first part provides an overview of the UNFC for geothermal energy resources. The second part highlights the Algerian GER, considering a new vulnerability concept model to improve GER management in the Sahara. The UNFC on geothermal energy resources provides an understanding of the needed mechanisms for effective management of national resources, which are crucial for the SDGs. Additionally, it supports the optimization of sustainable management and resource development, positively affecting the socio-economy and the environment. The G-axis serves as a foundation, allowing a transition to the F-axis and E-axis. For the G-axis, exploration methods for geothermal energy typically mirror those used in oil prospecting or hydrogeology, especially geological, geochemical, and geophysical techniques. In Algeria, understanding geothermal potential requires a multidisciplinary investigation framework, particularly in the Sahara. It is useful to discuss applying the UNFC guideline for geothermal energy (GER) exploitation to better recognize geothermal energy's role in the energy mix and transition. Accordingly, some key areas with geothermal sources are highlighted.

Article Details

Section

special

Author Biographies

Bachir Benlaoukli, National Higher School of Hydraulics (ENSH), Blida 09000, Algeria

Professor at ENSH

Hamza Merabet, Centre de Développement des Energies Renouvelables, CDER, BP 62 Route de l’Observatoire, Bouzaréah, 16340, Algiers, Algeria

Doctor at CDER and CEREFE 

How to Cite

[1]
H. Khebizi, B. Benlaoukli, and H. Merabet, “A General Overview of the UNFC for Geothermal Energy Resources and Examples of Algeria’s Geothermal Resources”, J. Ren. Energies, vol. 28, no. 5, pp. 51 – 59, Nov. 2025, doi: 10.54966/jreen.v1i1.1504.

References

Ait-Ouali A, Ouali S, Hadjiat MM, and Imessad K (2019). The main geothermal reservoirs in southern Algeria and their interest in local economic development. E3S Web of Conferences 80, 01006 (2019) doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20198001006 REEE 2018

Amrouche M, Lounissi T K, Lhasbellaoui M, Saibi H (2023). Subsurface geophysical mapping of selected geothermal provinces in North Algeria. 11th North Africa & Europe Energy & Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference, Barcelona, Spain.

Bayou Y, Abtout A, Renaut R A, Bouyahiaoui B, Maouche S, Vatankhah S, and Berguig M C. (2023). The northeastern Algeria hydrothermal system: gravimetric data and structural implications. Geothermal Energy. doi.org/10.1186/s40517-023-00258-2

Belhai M, Fujimitsu Y, Barragan-Ryes R M, Iwanaga T, Maeno M, Ayad B, Bouchareb-Haouchine F Z, Nishijima J, Belhai D, Haouchine A. (2020). Geochemical Characteristics of Fluids from Northwest Algeria. Proceedings World Geothermal Congress. Reykjavik, Iceland, April 26 – May 2, 2020.

Belhai M, Fujimitsu Y, Bouchareb-Haouchine F Z, Haouchine A, Nishijima J. (2015). A hydrochemical study of the Hammam Righa geothermal waters in north-central Algeria. Acta Geochim.

Bouaicha F, Dib H, Belkhiri L, Manchar N, and Chabour N. (2017). Hydrogeochemistry and Geothermometry of Thermal Springs from the Guelma region, Algeria. Journal Geological Society of India Vol 90, pp.226-232.

Dib D, Abdelhakim B., Metatla S, Guebabi W, Soufi Y. (2012). The Algerian Challenge between the Dependence on Fossil Fuels and its Huge Potential in Renewable Energy. International Journal of Renewable Energy Research, Vol. 2, No.3.

Elbarbary S, Mohamed A, Saibi H, Fowler A., and Saibi K. (2022). Geothermal renewable energy prospects of the African continent using GIS. Geothermal Energy, 10:8.

IPCC (2018) Geothermal Energy. Chapter 4, pp.401-436.

Khaldi A, Mokhtar S A. (2018). Application of UNFC to Uranium resources discovered in Algeria. Nuclear Research Center of Draria, pp. 202-205.

Khebizi H, Benlaoukli B, Bouras O. (2022). Implications hydrogéochimiques des minéraux évaporitiques sur la nappe phréatique d’El Oued : Application des méthodes statistiques multivariées, IS et WQI (Bas Sahara Algérien). 1er Séminaire de Protection et de préservation des ressources en eau. Univ. Blida, pp. 140-143.

Khebizi H, Benlaoukli B, Chaouche M, Chacha B. (2023). The Ghout of El Oued in Algeria: a patrimony and a natural hydro-agrarian alarm system to advance. Larhyss Journal, n°55, pp. 107-124.

Khebizi H, Benlaoukli B, Gaci S, Idri ML, Mokrani Y. (2024). Contribution of Seismic reflection method to the assessment of subsoil structural vulnerability: A case study of Oued Souf, Algeria. International Seminar on Natural Risks, Urban Territory Management and Analysis Tools “The advantages of Artificial Intelligence” Univ. Mouhamed Boudiaf M’sila.

Khebizi H, Benlaoukli B, Idri M L, Mokrani Y. (2022). Stratégie de sécurisation des ressources en eau du Bas Sahara Algérien: Apport de la corrélation lithostratigraphique. 1er Séminaire de Protection et de préservation des ressources en eau, Univ. Blida, pp.136-139.

Khebizi H, Benlaoukli B, Idri M L, Mokrani Y. (2023). Implication de la dissolution des évaporites sénoniennes sur la stabilité de la subsurface. Cas d’El Oued. Séminaire International Vulnérabilité, Prévention, Adaptation et Résilience des territoires. Constantine.

Khebizi H, Benlaoukli B, Idri ML, Mokrani Y, Belabad N. (2023). La vulnérabilité du sous-sol : Les évaporites sénoniennes. 1er Séminaire national : Eau, Changement climatique, Environnement et Agriculture (SNECCEA) Souk Ahras.

Khebizi H, Benlaoukli B, Idri ML, Mokrani Y, Belabad N. (2023). The vulnerability of the subsoil: a new concept for interpreting the rise in the statistical level of the water table, case study of El Oued, Algeria. The First International Conference on Climate Change and Environmental Management: Mitigation Challenges for Sustainable Development. Biskra.

Khebizi H, Benlaoukli B, Idri ML, Mokrani Y. (2023). Interprétation de la remontée des eaux par la méthode de corrélation lithostratigraphique. 1er Séminaire national : Eau, Changement climatique, Environnement et Agriculture (SNECCEA) Souk Ahras.

Khebizi H, Benlaoukli B, Idri ML, Mokrani Y., Belabad N. (2024). La vulnérabilité du Complexe Terminal : Implication du forage pour l’irrigation El Oued, Algérie. 1ère Journée scientifique nationale sur : Environnement et systèmes biologiques : Diagnostics et perspectives. Université de Sidi Bel Abbes.

Khiati D, Fatima Zohra H, Belaroui A, Nemer Z, Haouchine A. (2021). Geochemical and geothermal characteristics of thermal springs of the Saida region. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 14:1322 doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07686-z

Luis CA, Gutiérrez-Negrín (2024). Evolution of worldwide geothermal power 2020–2023. Geothermal Energy (2024) 12:14 doi.org/10.1186/s40517-024-00290-w

Ouali, S. (2018). Éléments de l’Atlas géothermique de l’Algérie. Bulletin des Énergies Renouvelables n° 44.

Rüter H, Falcone G, Beardsmore G. (2016). Developing Standards for Geothermal Resource Classification - an Update. IGA, 20p.

Saibi H. (2015) Geothermal Resources in Algeria. Proceedings World Geothermal Congress 2015 Melbourne, Australia, p. 19-25.

UNECE. (2019). Sustainable Resource Management and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,p.22.

UNECE. (2020). United Nations Framework Classification for Resources Update 2019 ECE ENERGY SERIES No. 61, p.28

UNECE. (2022). Supplementary Specifications for the application of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (Update 2019) to Geothermal Energy Resources. Genève. 26p.

Yousfi S, Kerzabi R, Mudry J, Bensalah M, Achachi A, Collignon B. (2024). Integration of geoelectrical, hydrochemical, and geothermal data to identify the origin of thermal water in the foothills of the Tlemcen mountains, Northwestern Algeria. Acque Souterranee.

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.