Present Status of Exploration and Development of the Geothermal Resources of Guatemala

Abstract

The study of geothermal exploration and geothermal development in the nation of Guatemala is being led by the Instituto Nacional de Electrificacion (INDE) through the Unidad de Desarrollo Geotermico (UDG), for the purpose of developing the geothermal resources in order to generate electricity. Since 1972, it has accomplished geoscientific studies with regional surveys in 13 areas located in volcanic region in the southern part of the country. Also, prefeasability studies have been carried out in geothermal areas such as Moyuta and Tecuamburro in the southeast of the country; Amatitlan in the central region and San Marcos in the west. Moreover, in the geothermal field of Zunil I, which is located in the western Department of Quetzaltenango, the feasibility study has been completed, and the first geothermal-electric plant of 15 MW is being scheduled for June of 1993. By then, the feasibility stud for the second power plant in the more promising area of Zunil II located on the outskirts of Zunil I a farm produce dehydration plant has been built through a technical cooperation agreement between INDE and Los Alamos National Laboratory, LANL. It has the purpose of showing the use of direct heat through produced steam form the slim hole Z-11.