| Abstract |
The Andean countries of South America (from Colombia to the north to Chile in the south) are rich in high-temperature geothermal resources, but until now have only been used for recreational and touristic purposes. The convergence of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate off the west coast of South America, is largely responsible for the uplifting of the Andes mountain chain and its volcanic activity. The high-temperature geothermal areas of Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina are associated with the Andean Quaternary volcanism; low-to-medium temperature resources are found in the eastern part of the continent. Currently, in most of the Andean Countries geothermal explorations for electricity generation is taking place. In Colombia geothermal reconnaissance studies started in 1968 in the area of Nevados del Ruiz volcanic complex, and others investigations are underway in the areas of the Chiles, Cerro Negro, Azufral and Paipa volcanoes. In Ecuador, geothermal explorations have been conducted in Tufiño, Chachimbiro and Chalupas areas. In 2012 the governments of Colombia and Ecuador agreed to collavorate on a geothermal project in the areas of Chiles, Tufiño and Cerro Negro volcanoes, which are located on the border between the two countries. The aim of the project is to build a 150 MW power plant. In Peru, five companies have been authorized to explore 26 geothermal areas. The most promising ones are Tutucapa, Calacoa, Laguna Salinas, Chachani and Chivay, located in the southern part of the country. In Bolivia, high-enthalpy resources have been found in the areas of Laguna Colorada, Salar La Empexa and Volcan Sajama. The most advanced studies have been done in Laguna Colorada, where feasibility surveys have been conducted, including drilling of six wells. The main objective of this project is to build a 100 MW geothermal power plant. In Chile, 14 companies are carrying out detailed geothermal exploration studies in 76 leases along the country. In Northern Chile, careful investigation have been done at Colpitas, Apacheta, Pampa Lirima and El Tatio. At Apacheta, the construction of a 50 MW power plant has been approved by government. In Central-Southern Chile the most advanced exploration studies have been completed at Tinguiririca, Calabozos, Laguna del Maule, Chillán and Tolhuaca. The installation of a 70 MW power plant at Tolhuaca is being considered. In Argentina, the best known geothermal areas are Copahue, Domuyo and Tuzgle. At Copahue, a 670 kW binary plant was installed in 1988, but it is not operating any more. At Tuzgle, six concessions are being explored by a Canadian company. The same company has also six concessions in western San Juan province, near the border with Chile. |