| Abstract |
As greenhouse gases continue to rise, demand is increasing for meaningful and workable solutions to combat climate change. Countries are broadening their energy matrix and exploring opportunities to develop renewable energy power projects, often in regions where industrialization has not occurred. Argentina is one of the South American nations looking to diversify its electricity matrix through the development of geothermal energy. Varvarco is the closest settlement to Argentina’s highest potential geothermal field, Domuyo. The Domuyo field has entered the pre-feasibility phase for a 30 MWe geothermal binary plant, with plans for extension up to 100 MWe. This research is an investigation into the knowledge, perception, and acceptance of geothermal energy amongst the community of Varvarco, the primary stakeholders of the Domuyo project. Through one-on-one interviews, internet surveys, and discussions occurring from January to March 2022, data was gathered on the public opinion of geothermal technologies amongst 37 members of this marginalized population. The initial hypothesis was that the survey regarding geothermal would reveal a population opposed to geothermal development in their region. However, the investigation found there is high acceptance towards geothermal utilization in some form, likely due to fundamental barriers to sustainable development and the historical energy injustices which have shaped the current socio-economic conditions of Varvarco. This paper addresses opportunities to realize the social license to operate. Based on qualitative data, it is debated why geothermal operations at Domuyo should not be limited to the construction of a geothermal power plant, but also consider direct-use projects which will have more meaningful, equitable, and sustainable impacts within the community of Varvarco. |