Umunna Christopher Chukwuebuka1, Ochuele Dominic Agida2, Moses Adondua Abah2 and Micheal Oladosu Abimbola2
1Geology Department, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
2ResearchHub Nexus Institute, Nigeria
(✉) Corresponding Author: Moses Adondua Abah; m.abah@fuwukari.edu.ng
Received: Sept 9, 2026/ Revised: Sept 13 2026/Accepted: Sept 19, 2026
Highlights
- Sedimentary basins offer significant opportunities for sustainable geothermal energy development.
- Geothermal resources can provide continuous low-carbon electricity and direct heat.
- Geological, geophysical, geochemical, and borehole methods improve resource characterization.
- Advanced drilling and reservoir engineering can enhance geothermal energy extraction.
- Sustainable reservoir management is essential for long-term productivity.
- Economic, environmental, technical, and regulatory challenges influence large-scale deployment.
- Emerging technologies can improve exploration efficiency and project viability.
Abstract
Geothermal energy is increasingly recognized as a reliable, low-carbon energy source capable of supporting global decarbonization while providing continuous baseload power and direct heat. Although volcanic regions have traditionally dominated geothermal development, sedimentary basins are emerging as attractive alternatives because of their broad geographic distribution, favorable reservoir properties, and extensive subsurface data acquired through decades of hydrocarbon exploration. Their significant thermal resources present opportunities for sustainable electricity generation, district heating, industrial processes, and integration with existing energy infrastructure. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the geothermal potential of sedimentary basins, with particular emphasis on exploration and development strategies. It examines the geological framework governing heat accumulation, fluid circulation, and reservoir quality, followed by an evaluation of contemporary exploration approaches, including geological, geophysical, geochemical, and borehole-based investigations for resource characterization and risk reduction. The review further discusses development strategies encompassing drilling technologies, reservoir engineering, energy extraction systems, and sustainable reservoir management practices that enhance long-term productivity. Technical, economic, environmental, and regulatory challenges affecting large-scale deployment are critically assessed alongside recent technological advances that improve exploration efficiency and project viability. Representative case studies from established and emerging geothermal regions are synthesized to highlight successful practices and transferable lessons for future developments. By integrating geological understanding with advances in exploration, engineering, and resource management, this review provides a concise yet comprehensive reference that identifies current knowledge, emerging opportunities, and strategic directions for accelerating the sustainable development of geothermal resources in sedimentary basins.
Keywords: Geothermal energy, Sedimentary basins, Geothermal exploration, Reservoir characterization, Reservoir engineering, and Sustainable geothermal development.
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How to cite this article
Chukwu ebuka, U. C., Agida, O. D., Abah, M. A., & Abimbola, M. O. (2026). Geothermal energy potential in sedimentary basins: An overview of exploration and development strategies. Chemical and Environmental Science Archives, 6(3), 65–76. https://doi.org/10.47587/CESA.2026.6304
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