Harnessing Geothermal Energy Potential For Electricity Generation In Farin-Ruwa, Nasarawa State, Nigeria: An Aeromagnetic And Hydrogeological Assessment

This study investigates the geothermal energy potential of Farin-Ruwa ("white water") warm spring in Wamba Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, using integrated geological, hydrogeological, and aeromagnetic data analysis. Field temperature measurements at the spring source recorded a consistent surface temperature of 43°C, classifying the thermal resource as hyperthermal. Aeromagnetic data from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), specifically the Lere-Farin Ruwa Sheet 147, were processed using spectral analysis via Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) with Oasis Montaj, MATLAB, and Surfer 8 software platforms. Eight overlapping spectral analysis blocks were computed to estimate the Curie Point Depth (CPD), geothermal gradient, heat flow, and depth to basement. Results indicate that CPD ranges from 12.55 to 20.60 km, geothermal gradient spans 28.15 to 46.21 °C/km, heat flow values range from 70.38 to 115.52 mWm⁻², and depth to basement ranges from 1.38 to 2.95 km. The study area lies within the Precambrian Basement Complex of Nigeria, dominated by fayalite-bearing migmatites and granitic rocks. Heat flow values exceeding 80 mWm⁻², the recognised threshold for geothermal energy viability, are recorded across most of the study area, except for the western portion around Doka town. The anomaly extends from the North-Eastern (NE) to South-Western (SW) directions, covering settlements including Barakin Yelwa, Rishi, and Mariri. Drilling depths of 1.38 to 2.95 km into the basement are recommended for geothermal well development. The findings affirm that Farin-Ruwa holds significant promise as a renewable geothermal energy source capable of contributing to Nigeria's electricity generation mix and supporting both local industrial and socio-economic development.