Project InnerSpace’s new GeoMap Middle East tool highlights vast geothermal opportunities in the Gulf region, poised to reshape energy and cooling solutions in one of the world’s hottest and fastest-growing regions.
Project InnerSpace has introduced GeoMap Middle East, a new and innovative geothermal exploration tool that emphasizes the significant potential of geothermal energy for cooling, energy storage, and power generation in the Gulf region and beyond in the Middle East. This latest addition expands GeoMap’s global reach, which already includes areas like Africa, North America, India, Asia, and Oceania.
What’s truly exciting about GeoMap Middle East is that it points to some promising opportunities for adopting geothermal tech in a part of the world that’s mostly known for its oil and gas reserves. Thanks to recent advances in drilling and subsurface technologies, geothermal energy is becoming more affordable and scalable—even in spots that were once deemed unsuitable. The Middle East’s scorching temperatures and rapid urbanization have driven up cooling needs significantly. In fact, cooling alone makes up about 70% of peak electricity usage in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. So, implementing geothermal district cooling systems could ease some of the pressure on their aging electricity grids—especially in major cities such as Riyadh, Doha, and Dubai.
GeoMap estimates that the region could potentially provide around 14,000 gigawatts of geothermal cooling capacity. This includes countries like Iran, Egypt, Iraq, and Turkey—areas that show especially strong prospects for geothermal development. In addition, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar also emerge as key markets for cooling based on geothermal sources. Besides cooling, the tool highlights the region’s subsurface geology—particularly in Iraq, Syria, northern Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the Gulf States—as being suitable for storing surplus renewable energy within deep sedimentary basins. This capability might help balance the intermittent nature of solar and wind power, complementing the region’s already impressive investments in solar energy.
Some of the most high-potential geothermal zones identified by GeoMap include the Red Sea Rift area, stretching through western Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen, where geothermal power could develop into gigawatt-scale projects and even support desalination. Eastern Turkey and northern Iran are also locations with substantial resource potential that could support geothermal-powered data centers. Jamie Beard, the Executive Director of Project InnerSpace, pointed out how uniquely advantageous the region’s existing oil and gas infrastructure is. Speaking to PRNewswire, Beard said, “The resource’s right underneath some of the world’s most capable, well-resourced oil and gas companies—the very groups with the expertise required to develop these resources quickly and at scale. They’re in a good position to make geothermal relevant globally.”
Saudi Arabia’s geothermal potential, for instance, is especially notable. According to research from centers like KAPSARC, the western part of the country—home to the Harrat volcanic field with more than 2,500 dormant volcanoes—is dotted with numerous hot springs approaching 80°C. Early studies suggest overall low-to-medium temperature gradients, though the gradients are higher near the Jizan area. The eastern Arabian Platform features sedimentary formations with geothermal temperatures suitable for various applications, including power generation and district cooling. Integrating geothermal energy into the country’s grid could be a key part of its efforts toward cleaner energy, especially to meet the soaring cooling demands that dominate electricity consumption.
Look, the region’s geothermal plans are already starting to take shape in practice. The UAE, for example, rolled out the G2COOL project in December 2023—the Gulf’s first district cooling system using geothermal energy. This pilot project highlights the growing interest in tapping geothermal resources for high-demand uses. District cooling, in particular, is viewed as a more sustainable alternative to traditional electricity-driven cooling systems, offering low emissions while also helping to ease peak electricity use during hot periods, which adds stability to the grid.
And it doesn’t stop there. The Middle East might also benefit from some cutting-edge innovations, like superhot rock geothermal systems. According to the Clean Air Task Force, roughly 40% of the Middle East’s landmass—especially parts of Saudi Arabia—contains superhot rock reservoirs with temperatures over 400°C. That’s pretty hot—literally—because these ultra-high temperature resources could yield far more energy per well than traditional hydrothermal systems. It’s estimated that Saudi Arabia alone could potentially tap into about 1,791 gigawatts of superhot rock geothermal capacity, which is mind-blowing.
Of course, despite all this promise, the geothermal sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is still in its early days. Currently, the installed geothermal capacity across the region is less than 1,000 megawatts—way below the estimated potential of between 15,000 and 20,000 megawatts. Countries like Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia are making some progress—moving in the right direction, at least—and recognizing that geothermal could be a clean and steady alternative to fossil fuels. This move is especially important given the goals for decarbonization and the desire to diversify energy sources.
Research focusing on places like Egypt’s Gulf of Suez shows promising signs, too. They’ve identified favorable geothermal gradients and heat flows there, with many thermal springs that could potentially be harnessed for energy. By combining remote sensing data with well information, scientists have pinpointed high-potential geothermal sites in both northeastern and southwestern parts of the basin—signaling that there’s a lot of room for future development.
In summary, GeoMap Middle East highlights just how much geothermal energy could contribute to cooling, energy storage, and power generation in the Gulf region. Its existing oil and gas infrastructure offers a solid foundation for scaling up geothermal projects rapidly. With rising cooling demands, growing solar investments, and new high-temperature technologies like superhot rock systems, geothermal energy appears poised to play a transformative role in the Middle East’s clean energy transition. As Gulf nations explore these opportunities, geothermal could really help reduce energy demand pressures, make grids more reliable, and support sustainable urban growth—even in some of the world’s hottest and fastest-growing cities.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/geomap-middle-east-highlights-geothermal-potential-for-cooling-and-storage-in-gulf-region/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.kapsarc.org/newsroom/news/what-role-will-geothermal-play-in-the-energy-transition-of-saudi-arabia – This article discusses Saudi Arabia’s geothermal prospects, focusing on the Harrat volcanic field in the western region, which comprises over 2,500 dormant volcanoes and numerous hot springs with temperatures reaching 80°C. Early studies indicate low-to-medium temperature gradients, with higher gradients in the Jizan area. The eastern Arabian Platform contains sedimentary formations with sufficient geothermal temperatures for various applications. The article also highlights the potential for geothermal energy to supplement Saudi Arabia’s electricity grid and contribute to cooling needs, as cooling accounts for up to 70% of daily electricity consumption in the country.
- https://iifiir.org/en/news/recent-geothermal-energy-based-district-cooling-projects – This article reports on recent geothermal energy-based district cooling projects launched in December 2023 in France and the United Arab Emirates. In the UAE, the G2COOL project became the first district cooling project in the Gulf region to use geothermal energy. The article highlights the growing interest in geothermal energy for district cooling applications, particularly in regions with high cooling demands and abundant geothermal resources.
- https://www.world-energy.org/article/38848.html – This article discusses the potential of superhot rock geothermal energy in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) reports that superhot rock exists across about 40% of the Middle East’s land area, potentially providing 1,791 GWe of energy capacity in Saudi Arabia alone. Superhot rock energy refers to geothermal energy harnessed from deeper, hotter dry rock systems with temperatures over 400°C, offering significantly higher energy yields per well compared to conventional hydrothermal systems.
- https://www.srmgthink.com/featured-insights/146/geothermal-energy-new-frontier-mena-power-generation – This article explores the geothermal energy potential in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, estimating a capacity of 15,000–20,000 MW. Despite this potential, the region has yet to tap into it, with installed capacity currently at 953 MW. Countries including Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia are making progress in developing geothermal energy, which can serve as a clean energy alternative and contribute to the transition to low-carbon economies.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9276/9/9/109 – This study investigates the geothermal potential of the Gulf of Suez area in Egypt, which hosts numerous thermal springs with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 86.66°C. The research indicates a geothermal gradient ranging from 24.9 to 86.66°C/km and a heat flow between 31 to 127.2 mW·k−1. The study integrates well logging and remote sensing data to map geothermal potential, identifying the northeastern and southwestern areas as sites with high geothermal potential.
- https://www.arabnews.com/node/2607785 – This article discusses the role of geothermal energy in Saudi Arabia’s energy transition, highlighting its potential to provide constant, low-emission energy to meet rising cooling demands in the country’s hot, fast-growing cities. Geothermal energy can complement solar investments by offering long-duration energy storage and can be rapidly scaled due to the region’s extensive drilling expertise and robust oil and gas industry presence.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 30 September 2025, and has not appeared elsewhere. The content is original, with no evidence of recycling or republishing across low-quality sites. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The article includes updated data and new material, justifying a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quote from Jamie Beard, Executive Director of Project InnerSpace, is unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from ThinkGeoEnergy, a reputable source in the geothermal energy sector. However, it is a single-outlet narrative, which introduces some uncertainty.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the Gulf region’s geothermal potential align with existing knowledge and are plausible. The report lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. The structure is focused and relevant, without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is professional and resembles typical corporate or official language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, original, and based on a press release, justifying a high freshness score. The direct quote is unique, indicating potentially original content. The source is reputable, though being a single outlet introduces some uncertainty. The claims are plausible, with language and tone appropriate for the region and topic. The lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets is a minor concern. Overall, the narrative passes the fact-check with high confidence.
