| Abstract |
MÈxico is one of the countries endowed with very important geothermal reserves (probable reserves 4,600 MW and posible reserves 6,000 MW). With 45 years of development in this field, MÈxico has made great progress in the exploitation of this resource in the generation of electric energy, and in a very incipient way, in industrial uses. These developments have been supported by a goverment policy to diversify its energy sources, in order to reduce the country's dependancy on hydrocarbons and at the same time, cope with the demands of the population of a developing country. The contribution of geothermal to the national energy scheme is less than 1 percent. Nevertheless, it has proved to be an excellent integrative energy source to use with other known resources; its development has therefore been encouraged, in particular during the oil crisis. The Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), (Federal Electricity Bureau), based on the Gerencia de Proyectos Geotermoelectricos (GPG), (Geothermoelectric Project Management), is responsible for exploration and exploitation activities in the mexican geothermal program. This institution has carried out an evaluation of geothermal characteristics of the country, identifying about 1300 thermal systems; they were grouped into 515 geothermal areas, 30 of which have been classified as having the greatest potential for exploitation. Cerro Prieto, Baja California; Los Az?fres, Michoac·n; Los Humeros, Puebla; Tres VÌrgenes, Baja California Sur; and La Primavera, Jalisco, are the most important geothermal fields in MÈxico under production or on the brink of exploitation. Cerro Prieto is the most important prospect in MÈxico. Some wells were drilled at the end of the 60s; however, it wasn't until April 1973 that two units, 37.5 MW each, started operating. At the moment, 720 MWe has been installed. This paper describes the actual use of geothermal energy in the state of Baja California, its development, its nature as a clean source of energy, its non electric potential, and its byproducts; a comparison is also made with other energy sources in the state, such as natural gas, its contribution to the reduction of green house gases and plans for the inmediate future are discussed. |