| Title | Geothermal Resources and Development in Guatemala Country Update |
|---|---|
| Authors | Francisco Asturias, Edna Carolina Grajeda |
| Year | 2010 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | private producers, geothermal energy, Amatitlán, Zunil, energy matrix |
| Abstract | In the last years the production of the geothermal energy in Guatemala, has been carried out by private producers. In 2007, a 24 MWe (installed capacity) binary power plant was commissioned by Ortitlán in the Amatitlán field. The same year, INDE decommissioned a 5 MW backpressure unit. INDE plan to relocate the backpressure unit to the Zunil I field. These geothermal power plants have been under production and they represent a small percentage of the country energy production. More than 10 geothermal fields remain under prefeasibility studies. The accessible resource base potential of geothermal resources in Guatemala is estimated to be 1000 MWe. Early reconnaissance of the geothermal resources identified 14 geothermal areas. The Zunil and Amatitlán areas were given first priority for continued exploration and development. Pre-feasibility studies have also been carried out by INDE in the areas of Tecuamburro and Moyuta. A re-evaluation of the Moyuta area in 1990 indicated that the reservoir consists of two subsystems with lateral flows to the north and south with estimated temperatures of 210°C and 170°C respectively. Advanced pre-feasibility studies in 2005 by the consulting firm WJEC estimated a reservoir potential of 50 MWe for 30 years in the Tecuamburro area. Geothermal development in the Zunil I field began in 1981 and to date 15 production wells and 5 reinjection wells have been drilled. In 1999 a 28 MWe (installed capacity) binary power plant was commissioned by Orzunil. Production of brine from the reservoir has declined do to low field permeability and poor hydro geological connection between the reinjection zone and production zone. Direct use of geothermal energy has been successfully carried out by Bloteca and Agroindustrias La Laguna. Dry steam and hot water produced from a shallow low temperature reservoir located 8 km northwest of the Amatitlán field is used in the industrial curing process of construction blocks and dehydration of fruit. As a country, there is a need to change the energy matrix, using renewable energy, in order to be independent from fossil fuels but at present, the geothermal potential remains under developed. Laws have been promoted in order to incentive private investors to participate in the geothermal development but the financial factor has been the main issue. |