| Abstract |
Geothermal studies in Nicaragua started at the end of the 1960s, demonstrating the large geothermal potential of the country and giving priority to the Momotombo and San Jacinto field. The principal use of geothermal energy in Nicaragua is for electric power generation from high enthalpy resources in five geothermal areas. However an ongoing project includes the use of low enthalpy fluids in rural electrification and direct uses at Ometepe Island and Cosig¸ina Volcano, with the support of the European Community and the U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. The commercial exploitation of Momotombo began in 1983, when the first 35 MWe unit was put in operation. In 1989 a second unit of 35 MWe was installed in the field. During the 1993-1995 period, seven explorationproduction wells were drilled in the San Jacinto- Tizate geothermal area with total depths between 724 and 2,235 m, encountering temperatures form 264 to 289?C. The production tests demonstrated the commercial viability of the field with a proven capacity of 25 MWe. The Government of Nicaragua is interested in the development of the natural resources of the country particularly geothermal, and has granted concessions to private entities in new geothermal areas, realizing that the private sector could be an important factor in the development of this indigenous resource. Such areas are: El —ajo- Santa Isabel (relinquished by UNOCAL) to SAI Geothermal Nicaragua, El Casita to Triton EnergÌa S.A. (subsidiary of Black Hawk Mining, Inc.). El Hoyo-Monte Gal·n to Transpacific Geothermal Corporation and Momotombo to Ormat. The Geothermal Master Plan Study for the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua is under way with a loan from the Interamerican Development Bank. |