STUDYING THE POSSIBILITY OF SIMULTANEOUS PRODUCTION OF RARE ELEMENTS AND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY BASED ON THE RESEARCH BASE OF HOT MINERALS AND GEOTHERMAL WATERS IN RA
Keywords:
geothermal resources, geothermal energy, lithium, rare elements, extraction technologyAbstract
The role of primary energy and in this context the current and planned role of renewable energy sources in the energy system of Republic of Armenia are presented. The article also discusses the global geothermal energy developments, the current state of exploration of its resources in Armenia and trends in its application. Based on the studies, it can be concluded that Jermahbyur, Karkar, Gridzor, Sisian, Vayots Sar, Aknalich, Armenian NPP and Mukhan are among the most promising geothermal resource sites. However, it is important to note that due to limited exploration, information on geothermal resources in Armenia is not complete and reliable, this range is somewhat conditional, and the real potential of geothermal resources may be much higher.
A number of literary sources note that mineral and hot waters of Armenia contain such a quantity of lithium and other rare elements that they can be extracted using the existing and widely used technologies. As follows from some sources, the mineral waters of Hankavan and Azatavan have been studied, in which the quantities of lithium and rare elements up to 15 g / l are found, and these quantities can be extracted from the water using the known technologies. Among these sources are also the outlets of the Dvina, Ptghni and Bjni wells. Meanwhile, such mineral waters with large reserves as Jermuk, Arzni, Dilijan and other water deposits were left beyond these studies. The development of technologies for extracting critical elements from these waters is impossible without a thorough study of their composition.
Given the high mineralization of hot springs and mineral waters of Republic of Armenia, it will be beneficial for the republic to conduct research to clarify the composition of geothermal and mineral hot springs.
It is proposed to obtain geothermal energy from geothermal and hot mineral waters in combination with the use of technology for extracting lithium and other critical elements.
