| Title | Geochemical evaluation of hot springs in southern Colombia and their possible utilization for district heating |
|---|---|
| Authors | Yenny Paola Casallas Veloza, Finnbogi Óskarsson |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | This study assesses the geothermal potential of hot springs in southern Colombia for district heating. It was conducted as part of the Geothermal Training Program (GRÓ GTP) in Iceland under the auspices of UNESCO. The research promotes the direct use of geothermal energy, specifically Geothermal District Heating (GDH), to provide residential heating in high-altitude regions. Nine hot springs located in the southern Colombian departments of Cauca, Nariño, and Putumayo were selected based on criteria including temperatures above 40°C, flow rates over 5 L/s, high elevations, and annual ambient temperatures below 12°C. Geochemical analyses (Cl-SO₄-HCO₃, Piper, Na-K-Mg diagrams, and Oxygen-18 and Deuterium isotope delta plots) classified the springs, traced their origins, and assessed characteristics. Reservoir temperatures were estimated using traditional geothermometers and mineral equilibrium modelling, revealing ranges from approximately 80°C to 240°C. The study found that mixing waters from different hot springs is feasible without significant scaling risks, supporting their combined use in future GDH systems. Heat output was estimated under two scenarios: a pessimistic case, using surface temperatures and flow rates without drilling, which could benefit 1,000–14,000 households; and an optimistic case, involving drilling to access reservoir temperatures and doubling flow rates, potentially benefiting 17,000–270,000 households. The findings highlight that geothermal district heating could significantly enhance living conditions in high-altitude regions of southern Colombia and stimulate local economies, benefiting thousands of households and contributing to the country's broader energy transition goals. |