Prospecting geothermal energy from hot water springs at Padiyathalawa

Abstract

Being a country with an increasing population, the demand for power is increasing in Sri Lanka. As a result, there will be a power shortage in the country, near future unless alternative power sources will be introduced immediately. Geothermal energy has a tremendous potential in Sri Lanka. However this energy source is not yet fully investigated for its vast range of applications including power generation. Present research is mainly focused on assessing the feasibility of Padiyathalawa hot springs to produce geothermal energy. Geophysical and geochemical explorations were carried out along the prospective area to locate the fracture pattern and the sources of hot springs. Results show that all hot water springs in Padiyathalawa area are originated at a single source with a high fracture density and this zone is suitable for further investigations. In addition, two locations have been identified with out flow temperature of 44 °C that can be used as source area to produced energy combining with another power producing technology. Prospecting