Development of a Large Low Enthalpy Aquifer in Ensenada, Mexico
- Key words
- Low enthalpy; Saline intrusion; Geothermal generation
- Location
- Ensenada, Mexico; Valley of Maneadero, Mexico; La Joya, Mexico
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 2010
- Session
- Exploration; Low temperature reservoirs; Geophysical surveys
- Language
- English
Abstract
A large shallow, low enthalpy reservoir has been identified at the Valley of Maneadero, near Ensenada, Mexico. More than 98°C has been measured at the beach of La Joya during low tide, proving that very hot water is flowing out from the nearby mountains. A series of exploration studies has been conducted in order to assess and evaluate this geothermal resource. Geochemistry of the water indicates temperatures near the 200°C. Also very high water temperature coming from the irrigation wells in the valley has been recorded. In this paper a summary of the geophysical techniques used is presented and discussed in this particular case where the reservoirs is immersed in saline water that intrudes from the sea. Also a complete discussion is presented to optimum sizing of the generating plant.
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