| Abstract |
In many countries with exploitable geothermal resources for power generation, field, development and steam production are operated by international energy companies that sell the steam to a Public Utility operating the power plant for geothermal electric generation. The contractual framework and particularly the steam price are often controversial and prevent a wider application of this kind of arrangement. Criteria for pricing the steam or energy to be sold to a Public Utility are discussed taking into account risk and microeconomic considerations. A general formula based on the criteria discussed and applicable also to Build, Operate and Transfer (B.O.T.), Build, Operate and O w n (B.O.O.) and Build, Transfer and Operate (B.T.O.) schemes is eventually proposed. |