| Abstract |
After more than 30 years of trying to develop the geothermal potential of Colombia, a major effort is now being made to explore and assess the geothermal resources of the entire country. Until now, the availability of conventional energy sources in Colombia prevented geothermal exploration from reaching a higher level. However, the extreme energy crisis of 1992 ñ 1993 alerted the authorities and the community to the necessity for exploring alternative energy sources. In 1997, GESA (i.e. GeoenergÌa Andina S.A.) drilled Colombiaís first geothermal well at the Las Nereidas geothermal prospect. This well allowed the scientific staff to determine some of the characteristics of the geothermal system, where permeability seems to be related to faults. Also in 1997, Ingeominas (i.e. The Colombian Geological Survey) undertook geothermal exploration of Azufral volcano, starting with geology, volcanology and geochemistry. These preliminary studies indicate the possibility of a reservoir at 200-250?C (according to empirical geothermometer calculations) in a mature strato-volcano. This project is intended to produce electrical energy for the NariÒo province. In 1999, an evaluation of the existing information collected and processed by Ingeominas on chemical characteristics of thermal springs and temperature data in oil wells showed the advantage of constructing a Geothermal Map of Colombia. This map will help determine Colombiaís potential for direct and indirect utilization of geothermal resources. It will also help the government and private investors locate suitable targets for further exploration. With these projects, Colombia hopes to start exploiting its geothermal resources and decrease the serious environmental impact caused by the production of fossil combustibles and other conventional sources of energy, such as gas and coal-fired plants. The objectives of this paper are (1) present an overview of the geothermal resources and exploration studies in Colombia, and (2) summarize the studies being developed in Colombia that focus on a new stage of exploration. |