Ignis H2 Energy Inc. established its Ignis Türkiye (IGNIS) branch as of Q4 2023 and had four geothermal exploration concessions granted in Eastern Anatolia. The Eastern Anatolian Compressional Neotectonic Zone plays a crucial role in the region’s tectonic evolution and geological framework. This zone, formed by the interaction of various tectonic blocks, includes several tectonic features. The Varto District, located north of Muş province, and the Güzelkent settlement, known for its significant geothermal resources, are positioned on a plain along the slopes of the Bingöl Mountains. Within the district, three prominent mountains—Bingöl, Şerafettin, and Hanşeref—are notable. The license area covers 40 km2 in and around Güzelkent village, situated 12 km northwest of Varto District.
The exploration studies conducted in the license area has mainly concentrated on surface geology in 2023 and 2024, encompassing stratigraphic and geological studies in and around the Varto Basin. The license is situated within the Eastern Anatolian Compressive Neotectonic Region, near the intersection of the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) and the East Anatolian Fault (EAF), which shape the area’s tectonic framework. Previous investigations have characterized the region’s geology through various tectonic structures, identifying five major tectonic blocks from the Paleotectonic era, three of which are found near the study area.
In the concession area, there are natural hot outlets, often called “hot water ponds,” presenting a ranging flow rates affected by seasonal rainfall. Geochemical analyses have revealed five natural hot water springs (40-45 °C) within the Güzelkent license area.
Geophysical studies conducted within the license area have been evaluated together with geological and hydrogeological surveys, revealing the thickness, depth, horizontal and vertical extent, and structural characteristics of the geological units in the region. MT (Magnetotelluric) measurements, which were initiated in the last quarter of 2024, were successfully completed in the first quarter of 2025, followed by the development of the conceptual model of the license area. As of the third quarter of 2025, preparations are ongoing for the planned exploration drilling operation to a depth of 3,000 meters within the license area.
