Long-term deep geothermal energy reservoir beneath East Africa: Insights from seismic tomography

We identify a long-term geothermal energy source in East Africa that is derived from a seismic tomography model that was built using a combination of a new dataset from a seismic network installed in the Indian Ocean and data from the International Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks. A heat reservoir extending laterally for about 4000 km within the lithosphere beneath East Africa is identified as a long-lived geothermal energy source that can last for millions of years. The temperature assessment reveals that the reservoir has excess temperatures ranging from ∼ 100 ∘ C–146 ∘ C relative to the surrounding ambient mantle at a depth of 50 km. The heat flow at the base of the Earth’s crust is an indicator of heat transfer to the Earth’s surface. For exploration purposes, the geolocation of target points with the highest subsurface temperature potential is provided. The economic and financial implications of the identified large heat reservoir for the development of geothermal energy in East Africa are discussed. • A seismic tomography model is used to identify a sustainable source of geothermal energy beneath East Africa. • The identified lithospheric heat reservoir extends 4000 km across the East African Rift System. • For exploration purposes, the geolocations of areas with the highest temperature potential are provided. • The economic and financial implications for the development of geothermal energy in East Africa are discussed.