Geothermal Energy Potential in Cameroon: A Comprehensive Analysis and Outlook for Sustainable Energy Development

Cameroon possesses substantial geothermal potential associated with its position along the 1,600 km Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL), featuring geothermal gradients of 40–50 ℃/km and heat flow anomalies of 100–125 mW/m² that significantly exceed continental averages. This comprehensive analysis synthesizes geological, geophysical, geochemical, and engineering data from some geothermal manifestations to quantify recoverable resources estimated at 500–1,000 MWe across Adamawa Plateau, Southwest Region, and Mount Cameroon volcanic complexes. Key sites including Meiganga (65–72 ℃ springs, 145 ℃ reservoir), Tignère (>40 ℃/km gradients), and Ekondo-Titi (80 ℃ springs, 160 ℃ reservoir) demonstrate medium-enthalpy suitability for binary Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plants with 12% thermal efficiency. Detailed techno-economic modelling yields Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of 0.07–0.10 USD/kWh, competitive against diesel generation (0.25 USD/kWh) and approaching hydropower costs (0.07 USD/kWh), supported by Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 14–18% at conservative Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) of 0.10 USD/kWh. Despite promising fundamentals, development faces critical barriers including exploration data scarcity (<15 wells drilled), absence of geothermal legislation, and technical capacity limitations. From a sustainable development perspective, by dispensing Cameroon from dependence on hydrocarbon imports, geothermal energy positions Cameroon as Central Africa's geothermal leader, offering several advantages: energy security, local value creation (wealth, thousands of jobs, etc.), reduced greenhouse-gas emissions (displacement/avoidance of 5 MtCO₂/year), and support for industrial and agricultural purposes. The evidence available today justifies moving geothermal energy from a theoretical opportunity to a structured national development program.