Improvement of Perception of the Geothermal Energy as a Potential Source of Electrical Energy in Colombia - Country Update Report

Abstract

In Colombia there is not any geothermal development yet. However, during the last few years, several factors have created new and more favorable conditions for development of the geothermal energy in this country. Some of these factors are the growing concern on the global climate change, and the consequent search for finding renewable low emission gas energy sources, global and regional initiatives to promote the geothermal development in Latin America and the Caribbean countries, the recognition of the geothermal resource as a potential competitive energy source by the national power generation sector and the interest of the local tourism sector in balneology and, the persistence of the Colombian government in strengthening the role of institutions in charge of energy planning and exploration of geothermal resources, to enable the utilization of geothermal resources. Individual and joint efforts of some of the most important power generation companies, universities and governmental institutions, are being done, through the implementation of prefeasibility exploration studies and through the ongoing analysis of the regulatory and institutional framework, in order to promote the development of non-conventional renewable energy sources, including geothermal. Geothermal exploration studies being carried out, including the systems of 1) Nevado del Ruiz volcano, probably the best known geothermal area of Colombia, where the interest of several entities converge, 2) Tufiño – Chiles – Cerro Negro volcanic complex, a bi-national project nowadays in exploration through agreement signed by Ecuador and Colombia and, 3) Azufral volcano, 4) Paipa and 5) San Diego area, studies conducted by the Colombian Geological Survey, state institution designated to explore the geothermal resources. Importantly, international interest in supporting the development of geothermal energy in Colombia highlighted from co-financing projects, providing training and promoting discussion to identify and overcome barriers for development of geothermal energy, which have been taking place in the last few years.